Richie Mounga is preparing to play his first match for the All Blacks since the final of the 2023 World Cup. He will feature against the Lions on Tuesday evening as part of the concluding match of the 'Great Rivalry' tour.
This brilliant playmaker previously moved to Japan after New Zealand's defeat by the Springboks in the World Cup final. However, his recent return to New Zealand has opened up an opportunity for him to come back into the national team.
After participating in a club match for Canterbury, Mounga was called to South Africa by coach Dave Rennie when the tour ended with Billy Proctor's injury against the Stormers. Although Rennie initially did not include Mounga in the first test last week due to late arrival requiring time to adapt to All Blacks systems, the match against the Lions is seen as a step forward in his pursuit of a spot in the main test series squad.
The team, led by Patrick Tuipulotu, represents a complete overhaul of the lineup that defeated the Springboks 33-16 in Ellis Park. Despite being a very experienced group, the starting six includes Bioden Barrett at fullback, Rico Ioane in the centre, and wingers Ethan Blackadder and Wallace Sititi in the loose.
Tuipulotu will partner Sam Darby in the second row, while the front line is formed by Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukea'aho, and Siale Lauaki. On the bench will be Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Jamie Hannah, who recently arrived in the country as replacements for injured Josh Lord and Itan de Groot.
All Blacks coach Rennie noted: 'Since 23 players are involved in this match, each of them has already played in the tour, which greatly contributes to creating depth and competition for spots in the team for the tests. I was impressed by how all the players in our squad reacted to the quick transition between games. The match against the Lions is only three days after the first test, but everyone participated in preparing this team for the game. We know we will have to show our best level again to prepare for another physical match against the Lions team waiting for us.'