Fly-half Richie Mo'unga is poised to make an immediate return to the All Blacks starting lineup for their rematch against the Lions, a move that sees Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu drop to the Springbok bench. The decision comes as New Zealand aims to secure a 2-0 lead in the series, marketed as 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry'.
Mo'unga, who was the first-choice fly-half during New Zealand's 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, had been ineligible for selection due to playing club rugby in Japan. However, his recent signing with Canterbury and the Crusaders, coupled with an injury to Billy Proctor, has facilitated his comeback. He is scheduled to start at fly-half in the upcoming match against the Johannesburg-based provincial side, the Lions.
"I'm competitive; I want to be the best," Mo'unga stated, expressing his determination to return to Test rugby. He shared that watching a Six Nations match from a Japanese karaoke bar last year fueled his resolve to rejoin the national team. Mo'unga is confident he can replicate the form that earned him a place in World Rugby's 2023 team of the year. "Mentally I've prepared for my return in the black jersey, and I'm ready," he added.
Despite his personal ambition, Mo'unga emphasized his commitment to the team. "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," he said, acknowledging the team's process of preparing other players, such as the current first-choice fly-half Ruben Love.
The New Zealand squad for the match against the Lions includes B Barrett at fullback, Fineanganofo, Ioane, Tavatavanawai, and Narawa in the backline, with Mo'unga and Hotham as the half-back pairing. The forward pack features Lauaki, Taukei'aho, Tosi, Darry, Tuipulotu, Sititi, Blackadder, and Ta'eiloa. Replacements are Slater, Tu'ungafasi, Ma'u, Hannah, Lakai, Preston, Jacomb, and Lienert-Brown.