Richie Mo'unga ruled out of opening Greatest Rivalry Test by Rennie

Richie Mo'unga will not play in New Zealand’s opening Greatest Rivalry Test against South Africa, head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed. The All Blacks completed their tour schedule with a 50-19 victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Mo'unga joined the squad in Gauteng on Friday evening after coming in as a replacement for the injured Billy Proctor. However, the fly-half arrived too late to be considered for the Test at Ellis Park, with Rennie instead expected to give him time to learn New Zealand’s systems before using him against the Lions.

Ruben Love is now the leading option to wear the number 10 jersey against the Springboks. Rennie also indicated that the side selected for the Test will be substantially different from the team that started against the Bulls, although Codie Taylor is in contention after scoring twice in the first half.

The Pretoria win was New Zealand’s final tour match before the Springboks Test and followed their victory over the Sharks in Durban. It also reflected a stronger display from the All Blacks’ forwards, who secured every lineout while Taylor was on the field and gained control at scrum time.

New Zealand still have selection concerns ahead of the opening Test. Damian McKenzie remains the biggest doubt, while Cam Roigard and Will Jordan are expected to have a full week of training after making progress in their recoveries. Rennie believes all three could be available, but is less certain about McKenzie.

Caleb Clarke also picked up an injury in the Sharks match, although no additional player has yet been added to the squad. Xavier Numia was withdrawn at half-time against the Bulls because of a stiff Achilles, while Cortez Ratima left after taking a knock to his knee. Both changes were treated cautiously with the Test only seven days away.

Taylor’s performance offered encouragement after New Zealand’s progression through the tour’s club matches, but the veteran hooker expects South Africa to pose a tougher challenge at set piece. Mo'unga’s absence means Love is likely to handle the creative responsibilities as the All Blacks turn from tour preparation to their first Test against the Springboks.