The countdown to the highly anticipated “Greatest Rivalry” series is officially underway. All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed that planning is well advanced for their looming four-Test blockbuster series against the world-champion Springboks in South Africa.
However, Rennie has firmly shut down rumors of a premature return for superstar playmaker Richie Mo’unga, putting an end to intense speculation surrounding the flyhalf’s immediate international future.
The Mo’unga Eligibility Dilemma
Despite fans hoping for a loophole to fast-track the world-class pivot back into the squad, Mo’unga will not be named in the upcoming 44-man touring squad.
- The Rule: Under New Zealand Rugby’s strict eligibility criteria, players who leave to play club rugby abroad are ineligible for selection.
- The Status: Although the 32-year-old has returned from his three-year stint in Japan and signed a new NZR contract through to the next World Cup, he remains ineligible for the national side until October—after he completes a season in the domestic provincial competition.
- The Injury Clause: Rennie confirmed that Mo’unga will only be flown over as an injury replacement.
Rennie, who watched Mo’unga closely while coaching a rival club in Japan, remains confident in the flyhalf’s world-class caliber:
“He won’t be coming on that tour, so we’ll squash that. If a 10 got injured, then Richie’s an option for us to bring in. But for now, he’ll just get back and play and get himself in great nick so if he gets an opportunity to come to Africa, he’s ready to go. I got to see him firsthand in Japan in the last three years where he’s been phenomenal.”
All Blacks’ Warm-Up and Test Schedule
In a massive boost for local fans, the All Blacks will not just be playing Tests. To prepare for the altitude and intensity of the Republic, New Zealand will play a series of tour matches against South Africa’s elite domestic franchises—the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls—before the Test series officially kicks off.
Key Tour Dates:
- Warm-Up Matches: Scheduled clashes against the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls.
- First Test Match: August 22 — Johannesburg.
Rennie revealed that the coaching staff has already mapped out their squad management for these opening fixtures:
“We’ve talked about lots of things. We’ve picked the first four squads for the first four games in Africa. So we’ve had a lot of thought around where we want to see guys. Everyone will get to play in that first week, so it’s an opportunity for everyone to push for places.”
