Only injury to centre Billy Proctor opened that door.
His return, though, is a blow for Love on some levels.
While the 25-year-old has had some shaky moments at first-five for the All Blacks, Love has continued to grow into the role, and offers a genuine look to the future beyond next year’s World Cup.
For Rennie, while rotation in Baltimore was always going to happen, this week’s selection at No 10 isn’t down to Love doing anything wrong, more so Mo’unga doing everything right.
Richie Mo’unga will start his first test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, against South Africa in Baltimore. Photo / SmartFrame
“We talked about it a couple of weeks ago, regardless of the result at Soweto – whether we were up 2-1 or down 2-1 – we were going to start Richie,” he explained.
“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.
“Ruben’s gone really well, he’s played the first six tests of the year. But when I spoke to him, I stressed the fact that last week was the biggest test the All Blacks have played since the [2023] World Cup final.
“We trusted him to run the ship ahead of three more experienced 10s. That highlights where we see him. But we’re keen to give Richie a crack and he’s prepared really well this week.”
With a World Cup just over a year away, Mo’unga’s return gives the All Blacks a logjam at No 10.
As well as Love and Mo’unga, Barrett and Damian McKenzie give Rennie world class options at 10, with the latter trio also able to cover fullback.
The ability to line up at No 15 will also give the All Blacks breathing room, with a World Cup squad containing four specialist first-fives – something unheard of.
The real winner, then, appears to be Love.
Having shifted from fullback into first-five for the Hurricanes – and steering his side to their second Super Rugby title earlier this year – Love is, by all accounts, making the most of the experience around him.
Most importantly for all four playmakers, internal competition will prove to be Love’s biggest asset in developing further as the first choice.
“Beauden’s not out of the reckoning from a 10 point of view, and Damian plays 10, so between those guys we feel like we have depth at 10 and 15,” Rennie continued.
“There’s no doubt, Richie’s come in and been excellent. If you ask Ruben about the help he’s got, Beauden’s been great for him [as have] Damian and Richie.
“For us to win, we need everyone going well. While they’re competing against each other, they’re also helping each other grow. Richie’s got a lot of experience.
“Ruben’s been really smart, he’s got beside a lot of those guys, [and] talked a lot of footy. It’s really good for our group.”
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.