Richie Mo’unga addresses ‘elephant in the room’

All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga insists that he enjoys ‘healthy’ competition with Beauden Barrett as they battle for the fly-half shirt.

Following the emergence of Mo’unga, Barrett was shifted to full-back ahead of the 2019 World Cup to accommodate the outstanding Crusader.

Although they enjoyed some success in their respective roles, their campaign was ended at the semi-final stage.

The duo also combined during the 2020 campaign where New Zealand struggled to produce consistent performances.

Ian Foster’s men went down to their first ever defeat to Argentina and also succumbed to Australia, which has forced a rethink in selection.

Relishing the opportunity

Those two will now battle for the 10 shirt but Mo’unga is relishing the opportunity and insists there is no animosity between the two.

“It’s no different to any other player … there’s a lot of competition out there in all positions,” he told reporters. “I think it’s really healthy for the team, and it’s healthy for us because it’s a big challenge, and to know I’ve got someone like Baz (Barrett) wanting the same jersey as me it’s motivating, and it’s inspiring.

“It’s not an unhealthy challenge, I must say. Whoever dons the jersey, I’d be happy for him and he’d be happy for me, and it’s about if I’m not putting that 10 jersey on what’s my role if that’s not the case.”

Mo’unga also says that the two have a good relationship, with the team taking precedence over any individual ambitions.

“We’re open about it,” he said. “We address the elephant in the room. But we’re not bigger than the team. This team is far greater than the individual, so for us it’s about what’s best for the team and doing that. If he’s wearing the 10 jersey this week, how can I best prepare him, and best prepare the team to go out and put in a performance.

“It’s putting your ego on the hook. I love to wear the 10 jersey, but if not it’s about what does the best team-mate look like going forward.”

The presence of Barrett also increases the pressure on Mo’unga, but the Crusader is using it to improve his own game.

“It puts a lot of pressure on me because we all know what he’s capable of,” he added. “We know the man he is, the influence he has, and if I’m wearing the 10 jersey I don’t want to let him down, as well as the country.

“It’s a healthy relationship. I’m sure he feels the same way about me as well. Ten is such a crucial position, the driver of the team, and where you’ve got to take the lead. We both have different ways of doing that, and I’m sure whoever gets to don that jersey will do a great job.

“Nothing is hidden, there are no little conversations here or there … we’re both just striving for the same goal – to wear the 10 jersey – and then the next goal is for the team to be the best we can be on Saturday”.