Dave Rennie: The All Blacks No.10 jersey won't change hands just yet

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says he is still behind Ruben Love as his team’s premier game-driver for now, but will present Richie Mo’unga with the opportunity to challenge for the position.

The returning star pivot will not walk back into the matchday 23, but he will be welcomed with open arms by his fellow playmakers, according to Rennie. The coach sat down with Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb and Love prior to giving Mo’unga the call-up, emerging from the discussion with confidence that each of the players was on board with the decision.

“I met with all four 10s yesterday morning, so I’d spoken to them before I’d even spoken to Richie,” Rennie revealed at a press conference on Thursday. “I just want them to understand that obviously Richie has been signed back to New Zealand Rugby; my job as head coach is to pick the best players available.

“I think when Razor was obviously involved in bringing Richie home, he mentioned to Ruben about it. So even yesterday, Ruben was saying how good it will be to have him in; it’s a chance to learn.

“But at the moment it’s been Ruben’s jersey, and he’s going well. So we’re happy with that. It will be good competition, and all four 10s are really supportive of the decision.”

Expanding on his comments on Love’s form and the rest of the hierarchy at No.10, Rennie said: “We’re really happy with how Ruben’s been going, with Damian, who we’re predominantly using at 15 now, with Beauden and even Josh, who will get an opportunity on the weekend to start. So it’s about creating depth in those positions, and Richie brings a lot of experience. But as I mentioned in the press statement, he’s going to have to earn the right.”

The coach noted the final midweek game of the tour against the Lions as Mo’unga’s potential opportunity, but he would need to demonstrate he is across the team’s game plan to earn that selection.

Mo’unga played two games for Canterbury before Thursday’s call-up, scoring the game-winning try off the bench in the first outing and helping his side win back the Ranfurly Shield in the second.

Replacing an injured midfielder with a specialist No.10 raised the odd eyebrow, including that of Mo’unga’s former Toshiba Lupus head coach Todd Blackadder, but Rennie insisted it was the “logical” call.

“With Damian injuring his ankle, he’s not available for the Bulls. We’re expecting him to be ok for the Test, but most of our 15 cover comes from 10s. That just reaffirms the importance of bringing someone like Richie in.”