Richie Mo'unga returns for Lions showdown
Richie Mo'unga has been named to start at fly-half for the All Blacks in their upcoming match against the Lions. This marks his first appearance for the national team since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Why it matters
The return of a key player like Mo'unga is significant for the All Blacks' squad depth and performance in high-stakes international rugby fixtures.
Richie Mo'unga (left) returns to the All Blacks side for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final
Richie Mo’unga will make his long-awaited return to the All Blacks side after being named at fly-half for their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture against the Lions on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old fly-half has not featured for the national side since their defeat to the Springboks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, but is one of a number of changes to Dave Rennie’s side for their final franchise game of the tour.
Elsewhere, Patrick Tuipulotu will once again captain the side, as he did in the opener against the Stormers.
Following the 33-16 victory over the Springboks on Saturday, Rennie has named an entirely new starting XV for the August 25 clash at Ellis Park. Beauden Barrett starts at full-back, with Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa named on the wings.
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