Richie Mo'unga ready for first All Blacks appearance since 2023

Richie Mo’unga will make his first appearance for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final when New Zealand face the Lions at Ellis Park in their final franchise match of the South Africa tour.

The match kicks off Tuesday evening in Johannesburg and Wednesday morning in New Zealand.

Richie Mo’unga returns to All Blacks

The 32-year-old has been named at first-five after joining the touring squad as an injury replacement for Billy Proctor.

Mo’unga returned to New Zealand rugby this year following three seasons with Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan and played two NPC matches for Canterbury before receiving his All Blacks call-up.

The 56-Test playmaker said he had mentally prepared for an eventual return to the black jersey and believes his experience in Japan has made him a wiser and more complete player.

“This game was always coming for me,” Mo’unga said at the pre-game press conference.

“There was always going to be a return, and I wasn't sure when it was, but mentally I prepared for a return in the black jersey, and I'm ready.”

Mo’unga ready to compete for All Blacks role

Mo’unga returns with Ruben Love established as New Zealand’s first-choice fly-half, but said his immediate focus is on contributing to the team rather than demanding the No.10 jersey.

He stressed that while he remains highly competitive, he is prepared to support whichever player is selected in the role.

“I’m competitive, I want to be the best and I know there’s a process to that,” Mo’unga said.

“I'm really competitive, but I'm also a team man. Whoever gets the role gets the role, and if it's not me, I'll do anything I can to help them succeed."