Mo'unga to play for All Blacks for first time since 2023 World Cup
The Canterbury first-five, who has recently returned from playing in Japan, has been named to start for the All Blacks against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Canterbury's Mo unga will make his All Blacks debut in their upcoming match against the Lions in Johannesburg, having recently returned from playing in Japan. The 68-Test prop and lock Ofa Tu ungafasi and Jamie Hannah were previously named on the bench due to injuries to Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord. Halfback Noah Hotham and fullback Beauden Barrett are set to make their first appearances for the team this year, while Rieko Ioane, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa, and Fehi Fineanganofo will play on the wings.
Pasilio Tosi, Samisoni Taukei aho, and Siale Lauaki start in the front row, with reserve halfback Kyle Preston serving as the only player to have played every game on the tour. The Lions match comes just three days after the first test, and coach Dave Rennie expressed his confidence in the squad's ability to perform at their best. Veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the team.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
