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Richie Mo'unga to Play for All Blacks for First Time Since 2023 World Cup
- New Zealand coach Dave Rennie named Richie Mo'unga at flyhalf for the All Blacks' Tuesday tour match against the Johannesburg-based Lions at Ellis Park, marking the 32-year-old playmaker's first appearance of the tour.
- Mo'unga rejoined the national squad after a stint with Japanese club Brave Lupus rendered him ineligible following the 2023 World Cup loss. The playmaker returned to New Zealand this year to compete for a test spot.
- Beauden Barrett starts at fullback alongside Mo'unga, while captain Patrick Tuipulotu leads the side. Notably, none of the starters from Saturday's 33-16 victory over the Springboks will face the Lions in this midweek fixture.
- Coach Rennie explained that naming this matchday 23 guarantees every player gets tour time. "Everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour," Rennie said, creating depth and competition for places in the test team.
- Now back in the All Blacks environment, Mo'unga aims to focus on his immediate role rather than reclaiming the starting flyhalf jersey. The veteran playmaker intends to sharpen himself and teammates throughout the tour.
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Center
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L 29%
C 71%
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