Billy Proctor out, Richie Mo’unga in: All Blacks summon big-match pedigree for Springboks

The All Blacks have bolstered their lineup for the upcoming Test series against the Springboks by calling up Richie Mo'unga to replace the injured Billy Proctor. Proctor's shoulder injury ruled him out of the four-match series, which commenced on August 22 at Johannesburg's Ellis Park. Mo'unga, with an impressive 56 caps to his name, is renowned for his exceptional vision, lightning-fast footwork, and masterful game management.

His skill set proved invaluable during the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris, where he nearly led New Zealand to victory against the Springboks. In that match, Mo'unga displayed an incredible performance, repeatedly breaking through South Africa's defensive line, including a disallowed try against Damian de Allende and orchestrating a second-half comeback that had the All Blacks trailing by just a single point.

While head coach Dave Rennie acknowledges that Mo'unga will need to familiarize himself with the All Blacks' tactics quickly, he is confident that the flyhalf's big-match temperament and line-breaking abilities will significantly enhance the team's depth. Currently in possession of the No 10 jersey is Ruben Love, but Mo'unga is the obvious replacement.

Rennie's directive to Mo'unga is to quickly adapt to the system, grasp the finer details, and prove his worth to earn a place in the starting lineup. The All Blacks now face a grueling Test series against the Springboks, with subsequent matches scheduled at DHL Stadium in Cape Town and FNB Stadium in Johannesburg before concluding in Baltimore, Maryland.