All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has already opened the door to a potential Richie Mo’unga recall as New Zealand’s gruelling tour of South Africa begins to take its toll.
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The All Blacks kicked off their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry campaign with a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town, although the final scoreline did not tell the full story.
New Zealand were locked at 14-14 with their hosts after 65 minutes before pulling clear during the closing stages, with Rennie admitting afterwards there was plenty to work on.
The victory also came at a cost, with centre Billy Proctor suffering a shoulder injury that Rennie admitted could potentially be serious.
“It looks like a shoulder injury,” Rennie said after the game.
“There are some other guys with bumps and bruises too. We will have to see.”
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Richie Mo’unga recall decision
While Proctor’s injury would not directly pave the way for Mo’unga’s inclusion, Rennie has already confirmed there is a route for the 56-Test fly-half to join the squad during the tour.
Mo’unga was left out of the original travelling party due to New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility rules following his return from Japan.
However, Rennie confirmed before the tour that an injury to one of his existing options at No.10 could change the situation.
“He won’t be coming on that tour, so we’ll squash that,” Rennie said.
“If a 10 got injured, then Richie’s an option for us to bring in.”
That leaves Mo’unga effectively on standby in New Zealand as the All Blacks work their way through a demanding schedule of provincial matches before their Test series against the Springboks.
Rennie added: “He had a little calf niggle when he first got back so hopefully he’s over that.
“We’re not putting too many things in front of him around what he has to nail, but just be back and play, and get himself in great nick that if he gets an opportunity to come to South Africa, he’s ready to go.”
With three more franchise fixtures to come before the opening Test against South Africa, Rennie will have plenty of opportunities to assess his options — while Mo’unga remains a potentially significant piece of insurance back home.
Five All Blacks who flopped against the Stormers
With places in the Test 23 up for grabs, these five All Blacks endured what could best be described as failed auditions.
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1. Pasilio Tosi
This was an evening to forget for Tosi.
The tighthead endured a torrid opening half at scrum time, conceding three penalties as the Stormers repeatedly targeted his technique.
His positioning was a particular problem, with his feet appearing too far behind him at the set-piece and leaving him vulnerable when the pressure came on.
Tosi did at least contribute defensively, completing all eight of his tackles and adding his considerable frame to New Zealand’s carries and clean-outs.
But props are ultimately judged heavily on the scrum, and this was not the statement he needed to make.
With the Springboks’ enormous forward pack waiting later on the tour, Rennie will have taken note.
Verdict: Will be fortunate to make the Test 23 on this evidence.