Richie Mo’unga set for All Blacks return against Lions

Richie Mo’unga will play his first match for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final when he runs out against the Lions on Tuesday night in the final midweek match of rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

The brilliant playmaker moved to Japan after the New Zealanders lost 12-11 to the Springboks in the World Cup final, but a recent move back to New Zealand opened the door for a recall.

After playing a club match for Canterbury, Mo’unga was summoned to South Africa by coach Dave Rennie when Billy Proctor’s tour ended with an injury against the Stormers.

Rennie did not consider Mo’unga for last week’s first Test, with the late arrival needing time to readjust to the All Blacks’ systems. However, an appearance against the Lions represents a step forward as he looks to be considered for the remainder of the Test series.

Patrick Tuipulotu will captain a team that is a complete overhaul of the combination that defeated the Springboks 33-16 at Ellis Park.

It is a vastly experienced side, though, with Beauden Barrett starting at fullback, Rieko Ioane at centre, and loose forwards Ethan Blackadder and Wallace Sititi. Tuipulotu partners Sam Darry in the second row, while Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Siale Lauaki make up the front row.

Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah, who have only just arrived in the country as replacements for the injured Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot, will feature on the bench.

All Blacks coach Rennie said: “With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the Test team.

“I’ve been impressed with the way that all players in our squad have responded to the quick turnaround between games. The Lions match comes just three days after the first Test, but everyone has been involved in preparing this team to play.

“We know we will have to be at our very best again to prepare for what we know will be another physical match against a Lions side that has been lying in wait.”

All Blacks team v Lions

15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Emoni Narawa, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Siale Lauaki.

Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.