Mo'unga embraces All Blacks return and backs Rennie's attacking game-plan ahead of Lions clash

Richie Mo’unga has declared himself fully bought into the All Blacks’ new attacking identity under Dave Rennie, as the veteran first-five prepares to make his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France when New Zealand face the British and Irish Lions at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

Mo’unga, 32, will partner longtime international teammate Beauden Barrett in the playmaking roles — a reunion that arrives after the Canterbury pivot spent the early part of 2026 watching from the outside as Rennie’s side won all seven of their matches this year.

Despite not yet featuring under the new coaching regime, Mo’unga told reporters in Johannesburg that he had been closely tracking the team’s evolution even before entering camp, and that what he found when he arrived only deepened his enthusiasm.

“I was really observant, while not even being in camp, of the style and brand that they want to play,” Mo’unga said. “I love it. I love the ability for the boys to have the licence to play what they see. And then some of the DNA around defence and getting the bodies in front — it’s really exciting.”

The path back to the black jersey has not been straightforward. Mo’unga described the opening months of the year as a “whirlwind of emotions”, with multiple possible scenarios for how his season might unfold. Two NPC appearances for Canterbury ultimately provided the rhythm he needed before rejoining the All Blacks environment on their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.

“The one thing that I knew was I could only control what I could control,” he said. “Looking back at the last couple of months, it’s actually been a perfect way to come back into this environment. I obviously wanted to be here, but I was really at peace with what was going on.”

Now back inside the camp, Mo’unga says the time away has sharpened his appreciation for what Test rugby means.

“I knew I missed it, but coming back, you realise this is a really special circle to be in. I’ve just really savoured every moment, and not going to take these things for granted.”

With the All Blacks unbeaten in 2026 and a Lions series providing the sternest possible test of Rennie’s methods, Wednesday’s match at Ellis Park will offer Mo’unga his first chance to put that renewed hunger — and the new game-plan — on the biggest stage.