The All Blacks’ decision to call-up Richie Mo’unga to replace the injured Billy Proctor brings proven class back into the New Zealander’s setup ahead of the Tests against the Springboks.
Proctor was ruled out of the four-Test series after fracturing a shoulder against the Stormers in Cape Town, prompting head coach Dave Rennie to draft in the experienced 56-cap playmaker.
Mo’unga’s strengths lie in his extraordinary vision, razor-sharp footwork, and masterclass game management.
South African fans need no reminding of his game-breaking ability. In the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris, Mo’unga produced an unbelievable performance against the Springboks that nearly stole the Webb Ellis Cup for 14-man New Zealand.
He repeatedly shredded the Boks’ rush defence, notably stepping Damian de Allende to setup a disallowed try before orchestrating the second-half fightback that brought the All Blacks within a single point of victory.
As Rennie noted, Mo’unga will need to quickly get across the tactical details, but his big-match temperament and line-breaking ability will boost the All Blacks’ depth at flyhalf. Ruben Love is currently the man in possession of the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey.
“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,” said Rennie.
The first Test is on August 22 at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park.
The second and third Tests are at DHL Stadium in Cape Town and FNB Stadium in Johannesburg respectively before both teams travel to the United States for the fourth and final Test in Baltimore, Maryland.
