The All Blacks have endured a series of injury problems since starting their tour to South Africa, and it’s now been confirmed that Billy Proctor will return home to New Zealand after fracturing his shoulder blade in the game against the Stormers.
That has now opened the door for the All Blacks selectors to bring in superstar flyhalf Richie Mo’unga as a replacement in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry squad.
Mo’unga has not played for the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks, having decided to ply his trade in Japan after that tournament.
New Zealand Rugby have a strict policy whereby overseas-based players will not be eligible for the All Blacks, but Mo’unga recently became available for selection again after playing for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC on 1 August.
Interesting selection for All Blacks
The 32-year-old joins a talented group of flyhalves and playmakers in South Africa, which includes Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb.
“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,” coach Dave Rennie commented.
“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. 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.”
Mo’unga will arrive in Johannesburg on Friday.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures and results
- Friday, 7 August: Stormers 21-38 New Zealand, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
- Tuesday, 11 August: Sharks 0-54 New Zealand, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
- Saturday, 15 August: Bulls vs New Zealand, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 19:00
- Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:10
- Tuesday, 25 August: Lions vs New Zealand, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 19:00
- Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
- Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:10
- Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – 23:00 (SA time)
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