Mo'unga returns to All Blacks for Lions clash

Richie Mounga will return to international rugby for New Zealand on Tuesday, making his first appearance for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. The flyhalf has been named to start against the Lions franchise at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, the final midweek fixture of the tour.

Mounga, 32, moved to Japanese club Brave Lupus after New Zealand's 12-11 loss to South Africa in the 2023 final, which made him ineligible for national selection. His recent return to New Zealand opened the door for a recall. He was called into the touring squad by head coach Dave Rennie as an injury replacement for centre Billy Proctor.

None of the All Blacks' starting lineup from their 33-16 first Test victory over South Africa on Saturday will feature. Rennie has named an entirely new starting XV, with Patrick Tuipulotu captaining the side. The team includes experienced players such as fullback Beauden Barrett, centre Rieko Ioane, and loose forwards Ethan Blackadder and Wallace Sititi.

Mounga's inclusion is part of a complete overhaul aimed at managing player workloads and building squad depth. "With the naming of this matchday 23, everyone currently in the squad will have played on...