Mo’unga back in black for Bok showdown

Richie Mo’unga is heading to South Africa after being called up to the All Blacks squad for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

The 56-Test flyhalf is expected to fly out of Christchurch on Thursday after All Blacks coach Dave Rennie recalled him as a replacement for injured centre Billy Proctor.

“We really feel for Billy. He has had a great season so this is frustrating for him. It is the harsh reality of our game,” said Rennie.

“We wish him all the best with his recovery and hope to see him fit and well in time for the end-of-year tour selection.

“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.”

Mo’unga has not played for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks and only returned to New Zealand a couple of months ago after his stint in Japan.

The 32-year-old became eligible for All Blacks selection again after playing for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC on 1 August and has since made two more appearances.

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Mo’unga joins a star-studded group of flyhalves and playmakers in South Africa, alongside Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb.

Love is expected to start at No 10 against the Springboks in the first Test at Ellis Park next Saturday after impressing during the Nations Championship and producing a strong performance against the Sharks.

The All Blacks face the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images

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