Mo'unga returns to All Blacks starting lineup for Lions match

Richie Mo'unga is set to make his return to the All Blacks starting lineup for their match against the Lions in Johannesburg. This marks his first appearance for the national team since the 2023 World Cup, following his return from playing in Japan.

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Firstly, I want to congratulate Saula on making his All Blacks debut. It will be a special day for him and his family.

Mo'unga was initially ineligible for the South Africa tour but became available for selection as an injury replacement after participating in the NPC. He steps into the squad after midfielder Billy Proctor was sidelined with a shoulder injury, providing an immediate opportunity for Mo'unga to impress.

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With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour, which is great for creating depth and competition for places in the test team.

Coach Dave Rennie has implemented numerous changes to the team from their previous victory over the Springboks. Uncapped prop Saula Ma'u is slated to make his All Blacks debut, a significant moment for the player and his family. Rennie highlighted that with this selection, every player in the current squad will have featured during the tour, a move intended to foster depth and competition within the team.

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I've been impressed with the way that all players in our squad have responded to the quick turnaround between games. The Lions match comes just three days after the first test match but everyone has been involved in preparing this team to play.

Several other players are returning for injury cover, including experienced prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and lock Jamie Hannah, who join the reserves. They were flown in to bolster the squad after prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord sustained head injuries during the first test. Halfback Noah Hotham is also set to start in his first All Blacks appearance of the year, with Beauden Barrett at fullback. The midfield features Rieko Ioane, and the wings are occupied by Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa, with Fehi Fineanganofo also in the lineup. The front row comprises Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei'aho, and Siale Lauaki. Reserve halfback Kyle Preston is the only player to have participated in every game of the tour so far. Loose forward Peter Lakai and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, who played in the win against the Springboks, will also feature against the Lions. The team will be captained by veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu. Rennie acknowledged the challenge of playing two games in quick succession but expressed satisfaction with the squad's readiness, noting the players' positive response to the quick turnaround and their preparation for another physically demanding match.

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We know we will have to be at our very best again to prepare for what we know will be another physical match against a Lions side that has been lying in wait.