All Blacks drop major plot twist for blockbuster series
Updated . First published
Richie Mo’unga is South Africa-bound in a major plot twist to the blockbuster All Blacks vs Springboks Test series.
Mo’unga, one of the world’s premier playmakers, was not included in the original New Zealand squad because he had only just returned home from a lucrative contract in Japan.
But after ticking NZ Rugby eligibility boxes with an NPC game for Canterbury, it seemed a matter of when, not if, he would join Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett as No.10 options for coach Dave Rennie.
Centre Billy Proctor opened the door by fracturing his shoulder blade against the Stormers and the All Blacks announced that Mo’unga would be his replacement.
The All Blacks play their final warm up game against the Bulls on Sunday (AEST) before next weekend’s first Test against the world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.
“The thinking is that it wouldn’t be in the first Test, but he might get game time against the Lions to start pushing a claim then,” Rennie said of Mo’unga.
“I’m not sure when he will play Test footy for us, but coming in now and spending time in the environment will accelerate that opportunity.
“We really feel for Billy. He has had a great season, so this is frustrating for him. It is the harsh reality of our game. We wish him all the best with his recovery and hope to see him fit and well in time for the end of year tour selection.
“Richie is the obvious choice as a replacement. His job now is to get in and learn our systems, get his head around the detail and earn the right to play.”
Love is the incumbent Test No.10 and played well in the 54-0 win over the Sharks.
Speaking before Mo’unga’s call-up, former All Blacks captain Todd Blackadder questioned the idea.
“I think the rugby pundits really want to see Richie over there,” the former Crusaders coach told Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB.
“He’s a predominant No.10, and they’ve already got four over there. I just think about it pragmatically - do they really need another No.10? They’re probably going to have to call in a midfielder.
“My opinion would be that doesn’t really solve a problem if they take another 10 over there because none of those 10s can really cover any position other than 15. So why would you bring Richie over? I don’t think that would make sense as far as I’m concerned.”
Bulls (15-1): Willie le Roux, Thaakir Abrahams, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, Curwin Bosch, Embrose Papier, Jeandre Rudolph, Hanro Liebenberg, Marcell Coetzee (c), JF van Heerden, Ruan Vermaak, Francois Klopper, Juann Else, Alu Tshakweni
Reserves: Jaundre Schoeman, Sti Sithole, Khuta Mchunu, Reinhardt Ludwig, Mpilo Gumede, Paul de Wet, Katlego Letebele, Hakeem Kunene
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Leroy Carter, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima, Peter Lakai, Anton Segner, Simon Parker, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor (c), Xavier Numia
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Siale Laukai, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa
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