All Blacks coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster have shared their review of first-five Richie Mo'unga's first start in the black jersey - both the good and the bad.
The team management were asked how they felt Mo'unga performed in the All Blacks' 46-24 win against Argentina after he was finally given the No.10 following an impressive Super Rugby campaign with the Crusaders.
But with two penalty punts failing to go out on the full and multiple handling errors alongside 16 points earned with the boot, it was a mixed first outing.
Hansen wasn't shy admitting so.
"It was always going to be a tough day for him because the opposition are a tough side to play against but I thought he acquitted himself quite well," he said.
"We've been trying to say that Test rugby is a lot different than Super Rugby and he's come into this team and for a young to have to drive this team around for the first time - he did okay.
"There's parts of his game he won't be happy with but I'm sure the next time to pull the black jersey on - which he'll get another opportunity for sure - he'll get better and better and better for it.
"He was okay. We're happy enough."
Assistant coach Ian Foster said the important thing going forward was making sure Mo'unga learned from the experience.
"It's the same as every other player," he said.
"I think it's important tonight that he sits back and takes a lot of satisfaction that he's had his first Test start and he had a good win against Argentina.
"But the next 48 hours, like the rest of us, we'll go through and review some the decisions, how he felt, how he saw things, the work ons and the learnings from that."
Regular first-five Beauden Barrett was given the night off and sub Damian McKenzie was brought on at fullback in the contest, meaning Mo'unga was given a full 80 minutes in the match.
SHARE ME