All Blacks team: Richie Mo’unga starts at No 10 against Lions
Richie Mo’unga has returned to the All Blacks starting lineup as the No. 10 for the final match of the South African tour. After a stint in Japan, Mo’unga expressed his desire to compete at the highest level of test rugby again.
Why it matters
Mo’unga's return is a significant roster development for the All Blacks as they look to stabilize their performance under new coaching leadership.
Three years after his last appearance for the All Blacks, Mo’unga starts in the No 10 jersey for the final midweek South African tour match against the Lions.
“It’s really special. It’s been a long time. I’m grateful to be back in this environment,” Mo’unga said.
Much has changed for the All Blacks while Mo’unga claimed two League One titles in his three seasons with Toshiba in Japan.
Mo’unga played his last test in the 2023 World Cup final that the All Blacks lost by one point to the Springboks.
As he reflected on his time away from New Zealand, Mo’unga recalled the moment he decided he wanted to return home and have another crack at test rugby. The urge, the burning desire to truly test himself against the world’s best again, sparked within.
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