‘More to give’: Richie Mo’unga returns to All Blacks with no regrets

Richie Mo’unga's return to the All Blacks is about more than another Test cap.

Three years after his last appearance in the black jersey, the Sāmoan and Tongan first-five eighth will start at No.10 against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, on Wednesday (NZ time) with the chance to prove he still has more to give.

The All Blacks are currently on their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa.

Mo’unga was called into the squad as injury cover after spending three seasons with Toshiba in Japan.

The 32-year-old last played for the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, where New Zealand lost 12-11 to South Africa.

Now, after winning two League One titles in Japan, Mo’unga says he has returned with a different outlook on the game and life.

Richie Mo'unga. Photo/Dan Sheridan/Photosport.

“It’s really special. It’s been a long time. I’m grateful to be back in this environment,” Mo’unga told journalists.

The desire to return began while he was watching Test rugby from Japan.

“It was sitting in Japan one night watching Six Nations, knowing there’s no better feeling than being in the arena,” Mo’unga says. “Japan rugby is a lot different to that. When you’re watching Test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play, you never get that feeling.

Dave Rennie. Photo/Ron Gaunt/Photosport.

“One reason for coming back was to win a World Cup, but to not have any regrets of wishing I gave it another crack or thinking there was more to give.”

Mo’unga believes his time away has left him better prepared for the demands of Test rugby.

“There’s many things in my game I’ve changed. Japan gives me a lot of perspective and experiences I didn’t have in New Zealand.

“I’ve had to lead as a player and think as a coach in Japan. I’ve grown so much as a person, as a father and a husband, which has been pretty special.”

His return also comes as the All Blacks continue to build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, giving Mo’unga an early chance to show what he can bring to the side.

There is a strong Pacific presence in Wednesday’s match-day squad.

Wallace Sititi starts at blindside flanker, with Timoci Tavatavanawai at inside centre and Fehi Fineanganofo on the right wing.

Ofa Tu’ungafasi returns as an injury replacement, while Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u is in line to make his All Blacks debut from the bench.

Head coach Dave Rennie told journalists how valuable Mo’unga has been since returning to the All Blacks environment.

“He’s been awesome… he said he had no expectations of coming in and playing, he was just really rapt to be here, keen to learn and get his head around stuff.”

For Mo’unga, Wednesday's Test is the first step in finding out whether his return can lead to another World Cup campaign. For more information on the All Blacks fixtures click here.

Kick-off: 5am (NZT), Ellis Park

TEAMS

All Blacks: 1. Siale Lauaki, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Sam Darry, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (C), 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Semisi Ta’eiloa, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Emoni Narawa, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Beauden Barrett. Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.

Lions: 1. SJ Kotze, 2. PJ Botha, 3. Sebastian Lombard, 4. Etienne Oosthuizen, 5. Ruan Delport, 6. Siba Mahashe, 7. Batho Hlekani, 8. Francke Horn (c), 9. Nico Steyn, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Erich Cronje, 12. Richard Kriel, 13. Henco Van Wyk, 14. Kelly Mpeku, 15. Quan Horn. Reserves: 16. Morne Brandon, 17. Boan Venter, 18. RF Schoeman, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21. JC Pretorius, 22. Haashim Pead, 23. Boeta Chamberlain.