Richie Mo’unga’s bid to reclaim the All Blacks No.10 jersey has officially begun after marking his return to New Zealand rugby with the match-winning try in Canterbury’s 38-31 National Provincial Championship victory over Auckland.
The 32-year-old was greeted by a huge roar from the 16,000-strong crowd at Christchurch’s new One NZ Stadium as he made his long-awaited return to provincial rugby following three successful seasons in Japan with Toshiba Brave Lupus.
Coming off the bench for his first NPC appearance since 2020, Mo’unga endured a mixed start, dropping his first high ball and missing a conversion. But with the game hanging in the balance, the former Crusaders playmaker showed exactly why he remains one of the world’s elite fly-halves, crossing for the decisive try with just three minutes remaining to seal Canterbury’s opening-round win.
Speaking after the match, Mo’unga admitted there were early nerves but was thrilled to be back playing in front of family and friends.
“I’m just so proud to be back… grateful to be playing now in front of my family and friends,” he said, while also praising Christchurch’s new stadium as a “world-class facility”.
His return comes at a fascinating time for the All Blacks. After completing his overseas stint and recovering from a calf injury, Mo’unga is once again eligible for national selection under New Zealand Rugby’s rules.
While Dave Rennie opted against recalling him for the initial Greatest Rivalry Tour squad, the All Blacks coach has already confirmed the door remains open should injuries strike.
With Ruben Love impressing in the No.10 shirt, Beauden Barrett back to full fitness and Damian McKenzie still in contention, Mo’unga’s return adds another world-class option to an increasingly competitive race for the All Blacks playmaker jersey.
All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
The All Blacks have been handed a potentially brutal route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after being drawn alongside hosts Australia in one of the tournament’s toughest pools.
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
Samoa, USA or Japan (Pool E)
Wales or Tonga (Pool F)
One of the emerging contenders from Pool C
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.