All Blacks first-five Richie Mo'unga is being backed by his club teammates to succeed at Test level, named in the number 10 jersey for Saturday night's clash with the Springboks in Wellington.
After another stellar season in which he steered the Crusaders to a third straight Super Rugby title, Mo'unga will play his first Test of the year as a starter, relegating Beauden Barrett out of his preferred position to fullback.
Speaking to media today, Mo'unga's teammates for both club and country professed that he's ready to replicate his Crusaders form with the All Blacks.
"He's just calm under pressure," Matt Todd said.
"He doesn't get flustered by any situation, he can sort of create something out of nothing, whether it's for him or for someone else.
"That's what you want out of a 10, someone that's a creator, who's always putting the team in good positions. He makes good decisions.
"He's not an old guy, but he's got an old head on young shoulders. He's certainly a player you enjoy playing with... He's fun to play with that's for sure."
Hooker Codie Taylor meanwhile praised Mo'unga's on and off field character, saying:
"He's an outstanding player, [and] a great man off the field," Taylor said.
"He likes to have a bit of fun, he can be a bit of a clown, known as a bit of a joker.
"What he brings to the table is an unreal skillset, and an ability to just back himelf in little moments, give it a crack.
"I think that confidence he has probably gotten him to where he is now.
"I look forward to seeing that out there on Saturday."
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