Returning All Black Richie Mo’unga scores winner in provincial return despite ‘shaky’ start

Richie Mo’unga has completed his return to New Zealand with a match-winning try for Canterbury against Auckland in the National Provincial Championship.

The 32-year-old arrived off the bench early in the second half for his first NPC appearance since 2020, and his first against Auckland since 2017.

He looked nervy early on, dropping his first high ball after misjudging the flight path, and later he dragged a simple conversion attempt to the left after Jamie Hannah equalled the scores for Canterbury.

But, like all top players, he stepped up when it really mattered.

With just three minutes left on the clock, Mo’unga stepped in at scrum half as Canterbury were camped on the line, before darting to the right, evading three would-be tacklers to score the winner.

Final score: Auckland 31-38 Canterbury

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Following the match, Mo’unga spoke to The Press NZ, discussing his delight at playing at One NZ Stadium.

“A bit of a shaky start for myself with the dropped ball, but I’m just so proud to be back playing in the new stadium,” he said pitchside. “Just grateful to be playing now in front of my family and friends, and just happy to get that one under the belt.

“It’s awesome! Like, just a world-class facility and something that Christchurch has been waiting for for a very long time. It’s just a true honour to play in it for the first time.”

Richie Mo’unga’s All Blacks future

After finishing his three-year stint with Toshiba Brave Lupus last month, Mo’unga has recently spent time on the sidelines nursing a calf injury but is now back to full fitness, and his appearance in the NPC now makes him eligible for the All Blacks ahead of their Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa.

The squad has already been selected without Mo’unga in it, but Head Coach Dave Rennie has refused to rule him out completely, saying: “There is a chance,” before adding, “If we had an injury at 10, then he’s an option to come in.”

Mo’unga has also considered his international future, revealing recently: “There’s a lot to it, and to be honest, my mind has thought of every possible scenario around what could happen over the next couple of months.”

“And it boils down to one thing – I can’t control any of that. So, the best thing I can do is just be ready and play some good rugby.”

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