Israel Dagg slams ‘ridiculous’ Richie Mo’unga stance as NZ Rugby continue to ‘get in their own way’
All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo'unga and former Test star Israel Dagg.
Israel Dagg and prominent pundit Scotty Stevenson have both branded New Zealand Rugby’s position on Richie Mo’unga’s eligibility as “ridiculous”.
The fly-half, who has earned over 50 caps for New Zealand, will return to the country ahead of the Nations Championship after signing a new deal with the governing body.
Mo’unga has been in Japan since the previous Rugby World Cup, but will head home after three seasons playing in Asia.
However, in accordance with NZ Rugby’s overseas policy, the playmaker will not be allowed to feature for the All Blacks until he has played in the domestic NPC competition.
Dave Rennie argues his case
Dave Rennie has looked to change that in the hope of having him available for the Springboks series, but the governing body have remained firm.
They have come under fire for that stance with Stevenson among those to criticise NZR for refusing to let Rennie select Mo’unga.
“On the one hand, you’ve got New Zealand Rugby standing up and saying how desperate they are to win games or rugby, to represent the best players available. On the other hand, they are putting up every hurdle they possibly can,” he said on Sport Nations’ Scotty and Izzy show.
“Here’s the irony here. Because Ardie Savea goes on a ‘legitimate’ sabbatical to Japan, he gets to come back in and be eligible straight away. Richie Mo’unga took a deal to go to Japan where he’s shining, he’s played 52 Test matches, he was in the All Blacks for six year and yet he has got to jump across every hurdle possible if he is to be considered to play for the All Blacks.
“If he misses the July series, that’s three Tests. If he misses the South African series, that’s four Tests. If he misses the Australian series because he’s not up to speed with what the All Blacks have done all year, that’s nine Tests.
“Nine Tests in the penultimate year before a World Cup, then you bring him into the All Blacks. It is the most ridiculous stance I could possibly imagine.
“The guy is not a fly-by-nighter, he was a fundamental part of that team over a six-year period, you can make concessions.”
As things stand, there is only one way Mo’unga can be selected earlier and that is as injury cover.
Dagg, who agreed with his co-host, ultimately reckons that Rennie and NZ Rugby will come to an agreement which will allow the fly-half to represent the All Blacks earlier.
Dagg’s rant
“I think he plays, I can’t understand why he wouldn’t. He’s in the country, he’s made his decision to come home, he’s going to be playing here on our shores. There’s no way in hell I cannot see him playing, they will find some way,” he said.
“Dave Rennie’s a clever man and he’s a smart man, and he will find a little loophole, that’s what we’re great at in this country – we find a loophole in the rules.
“Richie’s done his time, it’s just another example of getting in their own way, trying to tick all the boxes and trying to make people happy.
“He’s in the country, he’s signed, he’s going to play; how ridiculous is that. To know that you’ve got a guy like Richie Mo’unga, who has played here before, has won multiple titles, has won a Super Rugby Player of the Year, loves this country, loves his people, and you’re going to stop him from playing for the All Blacks just because he’s been away in Japan.
“To be honest, I just know he’s going to play, that’s what my heart is saying. There’s no way in hell that they’re not going to play this guy, if he is up for it.”
Even if Mo’unga is made available, it is not a guarantee that he will be selected given the presence of Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett and Ruben Love, but Dagg cannot fathom the logic of denying the 31-year-old that chance.
“He’s got to earn that opportunity, he’s got to earn that position because there’s a young guy – Ruben Love – that’s absolutely flying, you’ve got a couple of other experienced players – Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett – that will want to fight for that 10 position to and so they should,” he said.
“You’re never going to walk into this jersey but if he is fit, healthy and he is pushing his way into the starting position and starting opportunity for the All Blacks, you give him that opportunity.
“If he’s there and available, why not?”
