All Blacks Make Game Changing Call Up Ahead of Springboks Clash in South Africa
- All Blacks called up flyhalf Richie Mo'unga after Billy Proctor fractured his shoulder blade against the Stormers
- Mo'unga had been ineligible for selection since joining a Japanese club after the 2023 Rugby World Cup final
- The 32-year-old is set to join a squad that already includes Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie
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Richie Mo'unga has been called into the All Blacks squad touring South Africa after Billy Proctor was ruled out with a fractured shoulder blade sustained during the match against the Stormers.
The injury to Proctor created a vacancy in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry squad, which the All Blacks coaching staff moved quickly to fill by recalling Mo'unga, who had been locked out of international selection since leaving New Zealand to play club rugby in Japan following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Mo'unga regains eligibility after NPC appearance
New Zealand Rugby enforces a strict policy barring overseas-based players from All Blacks consideration.
Mo'unga regained his eligibility on 1 August after turning out for Canterbury against Auckland in the NPC, clearing the path for selectors to bring him back into the fold at international level.
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The flyhalf has not worn the All Blacks jersey since the 2023 World Cup final against the Springboks, making this recall a significant moment in his international career.
Crowded playmaker group awaits Mo'unga
At 32, Mo'unga will slot into a group of flyhalves and playmakers already assembled in South Africa, including Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb.
Coach Dave Rennie identified Richie Mo’unga as the natural replacement and explained that the fly-half’s immediate priority would be to settle into the squad, understand the team’s systems and tactical details, and earn his opportunity to play.
Rennie also expressed his disappointment for Billy Proctor, noting that the player had enjoyed an excellent season before suffering the injury setback. He acknowledged the frustration caused by the situation, described injuries as an unfortunate reality of professional sport, and wished Proctor a successful recovery ahead of the end-of-year tour selection.
Mo’unga is expected to arrive in Johannesburg on Friday as the All Blacks continue to manage a growing injury list during their tour.
Springboks star celebrates after hitting 50th cap
Briefly News also reported that Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe described reaching the 50-Test milestone as a dream come true after helping South Africa to a convincing 45-21 victory over England on Saturday.
The electric winger celebrated his landmark appearance in style, scoring a try and adding five successful conversions as the Springboks opened their Nations Championship campaign with an impressive bonus-point win.
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Source: Briefly News
