Mo'unga returns for All Blacks against Johannesburg Lions / Photo: Emmanuel Dunand - AFP/File
Mo'unga returns for All Blacks against Johannesburg Lions
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga will make his first appearance for New Zealand since the 2023 Rugby World Cup when they face the Lions franchise in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
After the global showpiece in France three years ago, Mo'unga joined Japanese club Brave Lupus, rendering him ineligible to represent his country.
The 32-year-old playmaker, who kicked two penalties in the 12-11 loss to South Africa in the World Cup final, recently returned to New Zealand.
All Blacks teams are chosen exclusively from players within New Zealand, unlike South Africa, many of whose first choices are based in Japan.
Mo'unga is among six replacements called up by head coach Dave Rennie during the tour due to injuries. He came in for centre Billy Proctor.
None of the All Blacks starters in the 33-16 triumph over the Springboks in the first Test on Saturday will face the Lions.
But three of the Test replacements -- centre Anton Lienert-Brown, scrum-half Kyle Preston and loose forward Peter Lakai -- sit on the bench again.
Assuming he comes off the bench, Preston will be the only All Black to play in the first five of the eight tour matches.
Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and lock Jamie Hannah, who were called up to provide cover for first Test concussion casualties Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, are also among the replacements.
The other replacement prop, Saula Ma'u, is set to make his first appearance for three-time World Cup winners New Zealand.
"I want to congratulate Saula. It will be a special day for him and for his family," said Rennie.
The Lions were formerly called Transvaal, who won their first match against the All Blacks in 1928 and lost the subsequent seven.
New Zealand (15-1)
Beauden Barrett; Fehi Fineanganofo, Rieko Ioane, Timoci Tavatavanawai , Emoni Narawa; Richie Mo'unga, Noah Hotham; Semisi Ta'eiloa, Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi; Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Sam Darry; Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Siale Lauaki
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Saula Ma'u, Jamie Hannah, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown
Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)
H.Lono--HStB
