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'Most talked-about guy': Richie Mo’unga returns for Lions clash
Sport Nation • August 24th, 2026 7:00 am
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Richie Mo’unga will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup when New Zealand faces the Lions at Ellis Park on Wednesday morning (NZ time).
Mo’unga’s return is the headline selection in a side showing plenty of rotation after Saturday’s opening Test against the Springboks.
The 56-Test veteran is one of four changes to the starting XV, with Noah Hotham also returning at halfback and Patrick Tuipulotu again captaining the team from lock.
“Everyone will be looking to see what Richie Mo is able to produce, his first time in the All Black jersey since 2023,” Sport Nation host and former All Black Izzy Dagg said.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Richie in the 10 position for the All Blacks, so very exciting, plenty to play for.”
Mo’unga has been one of the most talked-about players surrounding the All Blacks’ four-test tour, with his return providing another opportunity to assess New Zealand’s options at first five ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
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He will guide a backline featuring Emoni Narawa, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo and Beauden Barrett at fullback.
Saula Ma’u will make his All Blacks debut at loosehead prop, while Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah have been named on the bench after flying into South Africa as injury cover.
Kyle Preston will again provide impact from the bench and becomes the only player to have featured in every match on the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour.
Peter Lakai and Anton Lienert-Brown will also back up after playing in Saturday’s Test.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate Saula on making his All Blacks debut,” head coach Dave Rennie said.
“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.”
Rennie expects another physical contest just three days after the Springboks Test, but says the entire squad has contributed to the preparation.
“We know we will have to be at our very best again,” he said.
The All Blacks face the Lions at Ellis Park on Wednesday, August 26 - kick-off is scheduled for 5am (NZT).
All Blacks team to play Lions
1. Siale Lauaki, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Sam Darry, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Semisi Ta'eiloa, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Richie Mo'unga, 11. Emoni Narawa, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Beauden Barrett.
Bench: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Saula Ma'u, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.
