Mo’unga gets chance to press All Blacks Test claim

Experienced fly-half Richie Mo’unga will have a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a berth in the All Blacks Test match side when he plays against the Lions in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old playmaker has not appeared for the All Blacks since 2023, and he will be itching to show coach Dave Rennie what he is capable of in the clash at Ellis Park (kickoff 7pm).

Following the All Blacks’ 33-16 victory over the Springboks on Saturday, Rennie has named a new-look starting line-up with Beauden Barrett at full-back and Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa on the wings.

Commenting on the team to face the Lions, Rennie said: “First, I want to congratulate Saula Ma’u on making his All Blacks debut. It will be a special day for him and his family.

“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 all players in our squad have responded to the quick turnaround between games. 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.”

Star All Black fullback Damian McKenzie said the team would keep their feet firmly on the ground after beating the Boks at Ellis Park.

“It’s extremely satisfying, but we know there are three more Tests,” he said. “We’ve got to keep our feet firmly on the ground; Test rugby is not easy, and to win over here at Ellis Park is no mean feat.

“For our boys and our bench to come on and lock down the scrum, and for our lineout time to be good, it’s pleasing as a back to see that and potentially have a penalty advantage or a free kick at it.

“South Africa pride themselves on their set piece, so to be able to match them and get some reward there was extremely pleasing from a backs’ point of view.”

“They’ve got a great kicking game, and we didn’t diffuse as many as we would have liked. We probably needed to improve a bit going into the series.

“It’s a real strength of theirs — they’ve got guys who are great in the air. We’ll have a look at it. The South African boys threw a lot at us in that first half, so to be only down by one point was quite pleasing.

“It was about staying patient, trusting our game plan and getting back into our work. The lungs start to hurt late in the second half, but there are still opportunities to play.

“In terms of spectacle and the arena to play in front of, this is as good as it gets. Ellis Park against South Africa, the world’s best. It’s just a start.”