All Blacks Consider Richie Mo'unga Amidst Injury Concerns and Squad Changes
The All Blacks are evaluating options to potentially bring Richie Mo'unga into the squad following Billy Proctor's injury during the tour of South Africa. Coach Dave Rennie is reportedly in discussions to secure Mo'unga's inclusion, which requires New Zealand Rugby board approval.
Key takeaways
- Billy Proctor's shoulder fracture on the All Blacks' South Africa tour has opened the possibility for Richie Mo'unga's return.
- Coach Dave Rennie is reportedly in discussions about bringing Mo'unga into the squad, a move requiring New Zealand Rugby board approval.
- Damian McKenzie is likely a less probable option for midfield cover, while Will Jordan is recovering from a back injury.
- The All Blacks are seeking improved performance, especially in catching high balls, ahead of upcoming matches.
The All Blacks may recall Richie Mo’unga to the squad after midfielder Billy Proctor sustained a shoulder fracture during the team's tour of South Africa. Proctor was injured in the second half of the 38-21 victory against the Stormers in Cape Town.
While Proctor plays in the midfield and Mo’unga at first-five, head coach Dave Rennie is understood to be in negotiations to add Mo’unga to the touring party. The All Blacks have other midfield options, including Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, who are set to start against the Sharks. Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Rieko Ioane also have midfield experience.
Rennie acknowledged that the team is assessing replacements for Proctor, but remained non-committal when asked about Mo’unga’s potential inclusion, stating that the process is ongoing. Any player addition requires sign-off from New Zealand Rugby, with Mo’unga's case likely needing specific board clearance due to his recent return from playing in Japan.
The article suggests that Mo'unga, having played two NPC matches for Canterbury, might have fulfilled any perceived requirements for rejoining the team. The selection of an overseas-committed player over one who is expected to be a core part of the All Blacks' World Cup squad next year is presented as a less likely scenario.
The team will see Ruben Love start at No.10 against the Sharks, with Rennie indicating further changes at fly-half for the match against the Bulls. Beauden Barrett, who had a mixed performance at No.10 against the Stormers, is expected to be considered again. Damian McKenzie, who started recent Tests at fullback and is scheduled to start there against the Sharks, is seen as a less probable option for midfield cover.
Forward Will Jordan, initially intended to play against the Sharks, is recovering from a back issue but is anticipated to be available for the match against the Bulls. Coach Rennie is seeking improvements in the team's overall performance, particularly in their ability to contest high balls, noting that none were secured against the Stormers.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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