Richie Mo’unga makes telling admission after sensational All Blacks recall
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Back in black.
Richie Mo’unga insists he is prepared to play whatever role is required after earning a sensational recall to the All Blacks squad.
The 32-year-old is heading to South Africa after being called up as an injury replacement for Billy Proctor, marking his first involvement with the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
Mo’unga has spent the last three seasons in Japan but returned to New Zealand this year and recently made his comeback for Canterbury in the NPC.
Despite his vast experience and 56 Test caps, the fly-half admits he is not expecting to simply walk back into Dave Rennie’s side.
“We’ll see, and to be honest, I’m going over ready to play a role, whatever that role is, that might be not even playing footy, and I’m happy with that,” Mo’unga told Stuff.
“Happy to be going over, but there’s a lot of work to be done, a lot of trust to be earned.”
Mo’unga also described receiving the call from Rennie as “pretty special” as he prepares to link up with the squad on Friday.
“It feels great to get the call from Rens and be given the nod to head over; it’s pretty special. I always feel blessed when you get asked to be part of a special group,” he said.
Mo’unga now joins a competitive All Blacks fly-half picture ahead of the four-Test series against the Springboks, with Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett and Josh Jacomb all among Rennie’s playmaking options.
The opening Test against South Africa takes place at Ellis Park on August 22.
