Richie Mo'unga on Ruben Love's rise amid All Blacks No.10 battle

All Blacks first-five Richie Mo’unga is back, refreshed, and ready to work his way back into Test match contention.

The Crusaders and Canterbury playmaker was named in the All Blacks’ 23-man squad to take on the Lions at Ellis Park on Wednesday morning NZT, returning to an environment where he’s made 56 Test appearances.

Mo’unga joined the All Blacks camp ahead of the first Test to replace midfielder Billy Proctor, who picked up a tour-ending shoulder blade injury.

The 32-year-old is relishing the opportunity to represent his country again, after spending three seasons in Japan at the Toshiba Brave Lupus.

“It’s really special. It’s been a long time, but I’m just really grateful to be back in this environment, thankful to Rens and the coaches for giving me this opportunity and also having trust that I can do a job, ” Mo’unga told reporters in Johannesburg.

But while the veteran has been away from the environment, Hurricanes playmaker Ruben Love has stamped his mark on the All Blacks No.10 jersey, starting all four Test matches under Dave Rennie to date.

When asked about Love’s performances in 2026, Mo’unga gave credit to the young first-five and explained how it’s been important to use his experience to help Love and the rest of the group.

“I’ve been so impressed with how he’s played this season, for the Hurricanes and All Blacks,” Mo’unga said.

“Coming back into this team, it’s not about trying to get back into the 10 jersey; it’s really about nailing my role at this moment, and my role is getting to grips with how the team plays, the new environment, meeting coaches for the first time, and giving a helping hand where I can; prepping the boys for an awesome Test yesterday.”

Despite last representing the All Blacks back in 2023 at the Rugby World Cup final against the Springboks, the playmaker still has the drive to be among the world’s best.

“I’m competitive; I want to be the best. I know that there’s a process to that, and at this point in time, the process looks a bit different around preparing someone else to be the best.

“I obviously get a chance on Tuesday to put on the jersey, so that’s another opportunity for me to be the best around what they’re asking me to do, and how I can fulfil that role. And then just pushing other 10s throughout the tour, at training, but really sharpening them up as well.

“I’m really competitive, but I’m also a team man. Whoever gets the role, gets the role, and if it’s not me, I’ll do anything I can to help them succeed.”

“This game was always coming for me. There was always going to be a return. I wasn’t sure when it was, but mentally I’ve prepared for my return in the black jersey, and I’m ready. It’s important you play the game, not the occasion, and just go out and be free.”

“I’ve been on both sides; that’s why I know how important it is,” the first-five said about preparing his teammates.