Rennie has made no secret about wanting Mo\u2019unga in his squad after the player\u2019s return<\/a> from three years in Japan, but current New Zealand Rugby eligibility rules mean Mo\u2019unga cannot play for the All Blacks until he plays domestic rugby in this country.<\/p>\n There is a loophole, however, which means Mo\u2019unga, New Zealand’s top No.10 when he left after the 2023 World Cup, could get a call-up from Canterbury in the case of injury.<\/p>\n Asked about Mo\u2019unga and whether he would be in camp with the All Blacks this week, Rennie confirmed the player already has been \u2013 in Auckland \u2013 and that he has a calf niggle.<\/p>\n When queried about the possibility of the 32-year-old going to South Africa in August, Rennie said: \u201cWe\u2019re working through that. The current criteria means we can\u2019t pick him directly but we\u2019ll see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n The negotiations \u2013 presumably between Rennie and his high-performance staff and NZ Rugby – obviously remain secret but it is intriguing that the new head coach is continuing to push Mo\u2019unga\u2019s case.<\/p>\n NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster recently all but closed the door on Mo\u2019unga\u2019s return until after the South Africa tour.<\/p>\n Rennie has named Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Ruben Love as his first-fives in his squad of 34<\/a>.<\/p>\n All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett signs autographs after training at North Harbour Stadium yesterday. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n He confirmed that everyone was fit and available for the test at Te Kaha Stadium, including the recently injured Will Jordan, Tupou Vaa\u2019i and Wallace Sititi. Jordan\u2019s potential return comes after a persistent calf injury <\/a>and the selectors will likely take a careful approach lest he suffer a recurrence.<\/p>\n The full squad came together last Wednesday and Rennie said they had combined well in settling on a simple attacking and defensive structure.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just want the guys to get out there and be really clear and play,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat we know is we\u2019re going to have great weather. We\u2019ll have a dry ball and that\u2019s exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n Hooker Codie Taylor said Rennie had already made an impression on the squad.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s big on always being ready for something; whether that\u2019s with the ball or without the ball,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t take mediocrity lightly.<\/p>\n \u201cHe definitely owns the room when he speaks but in a way that\u2019s not too daunting \u2013 just in a way you respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Taylor will almost certainly play a part in the Test but with rivals Samisoni Taukei\u2019aho from the Chiefs and Asafo Aumua from the Hurricanes in such good form, making the match-day squad is not a given.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s massive competition this year,” he said. “Those two boys played amazingly in the final. That\u2019s what you want in the All Blacks \u2013 you want people competing for jerseys and positions, it just makes the team better. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve talked a lot about service and what it means to be in this team. If you get the opportunity to wear the jersey you do it justice and if you don\u2019t you do your best to prepare the boys that are. That\u2019s been our focus.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"All](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/all-blacks-first-five-beauden-barrett-signs-autographs-after-3YPQWPCNHBEBXBPMO4YUA33D6I.jpg\")
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