Richie Mo'unga keeps cards close over possible All Blacks return

56-Test All Black first-five Richie Mo’unga returned with a bang on Saturday evening at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, scoring under the posts in his short cameo against Auckland.

Mo’unga jinked and jived his way to the line from halfback in the 78th minute of Canterbury’s 2026 Hilux NPC opener, clinching a late victory for his side.

The first five last represented Canterbury 2143 days ago against Auckland, having spent the last three years in Japan with the Toshiba Brave Lupus.

The 32-year-old entered the field in the 51st minute, and despite some shaky moments under the roof, Mo’unga played a pivotal role in the defining moments of the contest.

“It was awesome, bro. Just grateful to be back playing for the team that I love back home in front of my family and friends. Obviously, it was a tough ending to that game,” Mo’unga told Sky Sport post-match.

“It’s probably a tough start for myself actually, but just great to be back out there and be playing rugby again.”

But the bigger question mark surrounding his first appearance in red and black since 2020 is when, and if, Mo’unga will be called up to the All Blacks for their tour to South Africa.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie couldn’t pick the Canterbury first-five under the New Zealand Rugby eligibility guidelines in his Greatest Rivalry Tour squad, but is now free to, after Mo’unga played a mandatory domestic game to become eligible.

Now that Mo’unga has returned successfully, Rennie could fly the No.10 in at any stage of the Greatest Rivalry Tour, if any player in his 44-man squad was to pick up an injury.

But speaking to The Press post-match, the 32-year-old wouldn’t give much away.

“I’m not too sure – you know just as much as me. [I will] ‘be where my feet are’ and whatever happens, happens.”

“It was a bit of a shaky start with the dropped ball, but I’m just so proud to be back playing in the new stadium, playing now in front of my family and friends. I’m just happy to get that one under my belt,” Mo’unga told The Press in Christchurch.