Steve Hansen: 'It doesn't matter' if Richie Mo'unga plays in South Africa

Sir Steve Hansen has weighed in on the All Blacks‘ decision to bring Richie Mo’unga into camp as a replacement for Billy Proctor, who has headed home after picking up a shoulder injury.

The ex-New Zealand head coach, who selected Mo’unga at No.10 during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, commended the current group, led by Dave Rennie, for not rushing the decision to find Proctor’s replacement, saying the time taken to assess their options builds confidence that they have made the right choice.

Concluding that Rennie and company see value in “schooling” Mo’unga on their game plan – what they want to do and how they want to do it – Hansen says that finding minutes for the 32-year-old over the remaining five games on the tour isn’t a necessity.

“It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t play, I don’t think,” the coach told D’Arcy Waldegrave on Newstalk ZB. “I think what matters is that he has the time with the group and the new coaches, the new systems, and he benefits then when he does get to play; so he’s got an understanding and he’s up to speed. So yeah, that’s obviously the reason why they’ve taken him, and I think it’s smart play.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

24

17

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Hansen added that beyond what Mo’unga learns, you only have to look as far as Beauden Barrett to see what an experienced player can bring to a group as a teacher.

“He’ll bring a lot to the discussion because he’s a smart player and he’s an experienced player,” the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winner said. “We saw Beauden not play a big part in the first three Test matches, but he was huge for the team.

“Richie will put the team first, and if he’s not playing, he’ll support those that are and do the jobs that are necessary for him during the week to learn, but also to help the others get better. And that’s the life of a rugby player.”

Ruben Love has owned the No.10 jersey that Mo’unga will now contest to begin the 2026 Test season for New Zealand, delivering wins in each of his three Tests as well as a midweek showing against the Sharks in Durban last week.

Hansen labelled Love’s form “outstanding” while seeing the midweek games as a “win-win” for an expanded squad, getting a wide range of players up to speed with the new coaching group’s blueprints.

When asked what Mo’unga’s point of difference is in the now five-strong group of playmakers in All Blacks camp, Hansen noted some valuable attributes, but said only time would tell what the returning star will bring to the table.

“He’s a natural athlete, but so are the others. He just brings his Test experience. He’s been around the place a long time now.

“Love is still learning to be the player that he wants to be; he’s playing well. (Damian) McKenzie’s playing well, so we’ve just got to sit back and see what he does bring.”