Dave Rennie Explains Surprise Ruben Love Call Before Springboks Clash

• Ruben Love has been dropped to the bench for the All Blacks’ Baltimore decider despite starting the first 3 Tests
• Dave Rennie has explained why Richie Mo’unga was given the No.10 jersey for the final clash
• The All Blacks coach has made it clear that Love’s selection setback does not change how highly he rates him

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has backed Ruben Love despite dropping the flyhalf from the starting XV for Saturday’s fourth Test against the Springboks in Baltimore. Richie Mo’unga will start at flyhalf at M&T Bank Stadium after returning to the All Blacks squad as an injury replacement. The decision comes after Love started the opening 3 Tests of the series.

According to SA Rugby Magazine, Rennie said the decision to start Mo’unga had been made before the Springboks took a 2-1 series lead.

“Regardless of the result at Soweto – whether we were up 2-1 or down 2-1 – we were going to start Richie,” Rennie said.

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“He’s been in the environment for a while, he’s got a clear understanding of the game we want to play. I’m keen to give him that opportunity.”

Dave Rennie backs Love after 3 Tests

Rennie stressed that the change at flyhalf should not be viewed as a reflection of Love’s display against the Springboks.

Instead, the All Blacks coach pointed to the faith the team had already shown in the young No.10 during the season.

“Ruben’s gone really well,” Rennie said, noting that Love had started the first 6 Tests of the year.

That responsibility was particularly significant in Johannesburg, where New Zealand faced one of its biggest matches of the campaign. Rennie said Love had been trusted to control the game despite having 3 more experienced flyhalves competing for the position.

“We trusted him to run the ship ahead of three more experienced 10s,” he said.

Love was shown a yellow card during South Africa’s 29-24 victory, while New Zealand finished the match having conceded 12 penalties. However, Rennie did not link those incidents to his decision to hand Mo’unga the starting role in Baltimore.

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Richie Mo’unga gets Baltimore opportunity

Mo’unga’s return gives the All Blacks a highly experienced option at flyhalf. He last played for New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa before returning to the squad this year.

Rennie said the competition among Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Love could benefit the group.

“There’s no doubt, Richie’s come in and been excellent,” he said. “For us to win, we need everyone going well.”

With South Africa leading the series 2-1, New Zealand must win in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September, to force a 2-2 finish.

The decision therefore gives Mo’unga a major opportunity while leaving Love with a clear indication that he remains part of Rennie’s plans.

Ardie Savea injury adds to All Blacks selection pressure

Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok Schalk Burger compared the All Blacks’ loss of Ardie Savea to South Africa being without Siya Kolisi.

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Savea suffered a dislocated shoulder during New Zealand’s 29-24 defeat at FNB Stadium on 5 September and will miss the Baltimore decider on 12 September. Burger said the All Blacks would lose both leadership and big-game influence without him.

The injury adds to New Zealand’s selection challenges, with Quinn Tupaea and Luke Jacobson also ruled out following the Johannesburg Test.

Source: Briefly News