'It's really special': Mo'unga returns to All Blacks for Lions clash

<p>Richie Mo'unga is back in black for the first time in almost three years, joining the All Blacks to start against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.</p> <p>The 32-year-old had not played a test since the 2023 World Cup final, which the All Blacks lost to the Springboks by a single point, before three seasons and two League One titles with Toshiba in Japan.</p> <p>"It's really special. It's been a long time. I'm grateful to be back in this environment," Mo'unga said.</p> <p>He said the <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/08/07/star-playmaker-richie-mounga-confirms-when-hell-make-his-nz-return/" target="_blank">decision to return home</a> was sparked one night in Japan, watching the Six Nations and realising what he was missing.</p> <p>"It was sitting in Japan one night watching Six Nations knowing there's no better feeling than being in the arena," Mo'unga said. </p> <p>"When you're watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling.