All Blacks leave door open for sensational call-up following tour ending injury
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The return.
Richie Mo’unga could be in line for a sensational return to the All Blacks after Billy Proctor was ruled out of the remainder of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Proctor is heading home after suffering a fractured shoulder blade in New Zealand’s 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, with the centre expected to be sidelined for between 10 and 12 weeks.
The All Blacks are set to bring another player into their touring squad, and head coach Dave Rennie has refused to rule out a call for Mo’unga.
Asked directly whether the 56-Test playmaker could replace Proctor in the squad, Rennie chuckled before replying:
“Well, we’ll work through that process.”
Mo’unga was not included in New Zealand’s original 44-man squad for the tour but is now eligible for All Blacks selection again following his return from Japan.
The 31-year-old has returned to New Zealand rugby with Canterbury in the NPC as he looks to force his way back into the Test picture ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
His potential inclusion would add another fascinating storyline to the Greatest Rivalry tour, with the All Blacks preparing for four Tests against the world champion Springboks.
For now, however, no replacement for Proctor has been officially confirmed.
The All Blacks face the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday before their four-Test series against South Africa gets underway at Ellis Park on August 22.
