Richie Mo'unga explains short-term nature of new NZR deal

For a start, there is zero possibility of Mo'unga playing for Canterbury next year, or even waiting for the SA tour to play for the AB's. The "rules" NZR have about returning players are arbitrary, and consist of little more than a negotiating tactic designed to get players to commit to NZ rugby for as long as possible. CEO Robinson, a passionate defender of using those "rules" to control players, is gone in 2026, thankfully, so the principal force behind keeping Mo'unga on ice will also be gone.

Politically at least, there is an out for the new CEO. NZR, typically under Robinson, was hopelessly incompetent in getting Mo'unga released from his final year in Japan, which would have allowed Mo'unga to play without issue. I suspect the new CEO will admit that, one way or another, and use it to give Mo'unga a free pass.

The really interesting thing is to what degree the SRP coaches cooperate with the AB's, and adjust their tactics and selections accordingly. Robertson has a big stick to use, AB selection, which will put pressure on those coaches through their players to conform.

The position of the 10's is particularly intriguing. Will Penney make Reihana first choice for the Crusaders? Given that Reihana is only signed for 2026, and will have to swallow the dead rat of being 2nd to Mo'unga if he stays for 2027, can he take the risk that Reihana will look elsewhere for 2027 if he isn't 1st next year. Robertson will certainly want him as 1st choice.

In contrast, will Laidlaw actually look at getting his team in a position to win a championship, which requires Love to start at 10. Love was responsible for the Hurricanes mid-season revival after Cameron got injured and he moved to 10. When Cameron returned and Love was shunted back to 15, the Hurricanes tanked. On teh evidence, Robertson wants Love at 15.

Will Jacomb get a decent go at 10 with the Chiefs? Or will, now he's going to the Highlanders in 2027, they only give him a bit part role. Robertson will want McKenzie to spend at least some time at 15.

And will, above all else, Cotter finally put Barrett out of our misery and actually find a 10 that can win a championship, and do the job that Robertson has not had the brain or spine to do.

Let’s be brutally honest.

With Mo’unga in Japan and unavailable the past two seasons for All Blacks, it has given Barrett the chance to start 15 tests and Mckenzie 12 starts.

And an honest assessment is that in those two seasons, neither Barrett nor McKenzie have performed so consistently good that the majority of NZ public believe either of them have nailed down the 10 jersey up to the RWC.

Most media and fans believe McKenzie is best suited as an impact sub off the bench the final 30 minutes.

Most media and fans believe Barrett’s time as a test player is over as he will be 35 in May and he last lost his greatest asset- his blistering pace.

Meanwhile, none of Reihana, Jacombs, Love, Godfrey, Kemara, Millar, or even Perofeta have ever secured the starting 10 jersey at their SPR franchise for a FULL season.

Mo’unga is the best 10 New Zealand has. Whether he is capable of leading the All Blacks to a RWC will be largely be answered after the South Africa tour. If All Blacks can split the series 2-2 (or better) the answer is clearly YES he can.

Oh I clicked the wrong article before. I expected this was the case. Richie to continue after winning the Cup. NZR should have given him a sabbatical clause if he can lead the team to victory, best first five gets it. Could be Love in his second year getting a sabbatical!

Interesting about the body, they play more games than Super, but they have a winter break previously (think it’s one continuous year starting later now). Wonder if it doesn’t take much for players to feel 100% better most of the time. My concept has been revised from 10 top super and 10 top international matches to 8 each recently. JRLO is pretty soft, I don’t really want to keep dropping my number.

I think Mo’unga is NZ’s premier 10 at the moment. But I just feel this whole situation is far from ideal, his presence casts doubt among the playmakers currently in the side, and his return after the South Africa tour is far from ideal for imbedding himself in the lead up to the world cup.

Also what if Mo’unga does his ACL playing some Canterbury vs Manawatu game or something? NZR would look really smart then wouldn’t they

It will be good to see Mo’unga back in the All Blacks but he is only one piece in the puzzle that needs to be solved before RWC2027.