The scuppered Richie Mo'unga plan for Stormers
SPOTLIGHT: All Black head coach Dave Rennie has opened up on his scuppered plans to unleash playmaker Richie Mo’unga later this year.
Despite Mo’unga signing an 18-month deal to return to Canterbury and the Crusaders from Japan ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the star flyhalf remains ineligible for the July Test window and the highly anticipated Greatest Rivalry clashes in South Africa.
It was confirmed last week by New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster that Mo’unga would not be granted an exemption to NZR’s selection criteria, which stipulates that a player must compete in the preceding local competition to earn national selection.
It means Mo’unga has to compete in the NPC later this year before he can represent the All Blacks again.
Speaking to the media in Auckland this week, Rennie revealed how he would’ve managed the veteran flyhalf’s return to Test rugby if he were available for selection.
“My thinking would have been that we wouldn’t have used him in July,” said Rennie.
“We’ve got good depth there, here, with the guys who are currently playing. But the thinking would be that Richie would be in the group, getting his head around how we want to play the game and the detail within that.
“Then, include him in the squad for Africa and probably play him against the Stormers, first game, and let him earn the right to fight for a Test spot.
“But obviously, the criteria mean that we can’t do that.”
Rennie added: “But we’re still hoping to get him in, so he can get his head around things. And then, maybe if there are injuries, then there’s an option to bring him in.
“But he’s got his head around it, he’s prepared to go play NPC. We’ve accepted the situation and understand New Zealand Rugby’s mindset around it, so we’ll just get on with it now.”
Additional sources: Ned Lester (RugbyPass) and AFP
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