Amid the drama of a quarter-final week against the world’s No.1 side and the high-profile dropping of wing Mark Telea for a breach of protocol, it was All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo’unga who provided a little light relief for the assembled media this morning.
After Ian Foster revealed that Telea had been left out of the team due to a recent “minor” breach which presumably could be anything from missing a team meeting to failing to make a curfew, Mo’unga entertained and informed with a near perfect display of insight and comic timing.
The Irish and English media here in Paris are fascinated by the fact that the All Blacks will enter the match at the Stade de France on Sunday morning as underdogs (with the bookies at least) – it will be the first time they have done so in a World Cup match – and Mo’unga played along.
“As a player it’s not a biggie for us,” he said. “The boys aren’t on the TAB or Bet 365 so it’s not a biggie.”
Told by the questioner: “That would be a breach of protocol as well”, Mo’unga replied: “That is, yeah.
“But … you can’t shy away from how great this Ireland team is and what they’ve achieved over the last couple of years. Defensively they’re a really sound team. They’re able to put teams in real pressure moments because of their set piece.
“They’re the best team in the world right now. We don’t have to be the best team now, we have to be on the day, on Saturday and that’s a real target for us and something we’re all looking forward to.”
The 10 or so minutes that the media were allowed to watch the All Blacks train on a humid afternoon appeared to show a side in good spirits determined to put all they have learned under Ian Foster – including the 2019 semifinal defeat to England when he was an assistant – to good use.
There is a feeling they are building to a statement-type performance after their opening loss to France and three big victories against Namibia, Italy and Uruguay, and, with several players leaving after the tournament, including Mo’unga, who is heading to Japan, there will be no shortage of motivation. Certainly there is an apparent steely resolve without an obvious intensity that could adversely affect performance.
Asked about that painful defeat to England in Japan, Mo’unga said: “It’s huge motivation for myself. A quarter-final win [against Ireland in Tokyo] and riding a high and probably not re-setting back to zero for that semi, that was probably a real learning for our team. And also just how brutal World Cups can be. It comes down to real small moments in a game.
“The other motivation is the statement we all want to make about the 2023 All Blacks team and probably the biggest motivator is knowing what we’re all capable of. Knowing the opportunity that lies ahead and wanting to stamp our mark and really build the potential that this team has. And what better way to do it on Saturday.”
After speaking about the directorship of Ireland first-five Johnny Sexton – “all class” said Mo’unga – the All Blacks No.10 was asked about the input of former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt, now an assistant to Foster.
“It’s been great to have him in,” said Mo’unga, setting up the inevitable twist. “He’s a true passionate man of the game of rugby. If you get caught in hallways talking code with him you can be there for a fair while. You’ve got to turn your head away sometimes and try to avoid it.”
Asked about playing with the Barrett brothers Beauden, Scott and Jordie, Mo’unga had another wry observation while sitting at the top table alongside Ardie Savea.
“It’s been amazing having the connection and familiarity among the players in the backs with Jordie and Beaudy.
“It really helps me because they think as a fly-half and that’s crucial for the communications that I need… it’s cool with the Barrett brothers, sometimes you wish you were Barrett yourself because they’re that talented. Or a Savea.”
Asked about the player in the Ireland squad he admired most, Mo’unga chose Mack Hansen, the Australian-born wing… “especially when he had his long hair coming out of his headgear. He’s pretty old school, he chases the ball and makes tackles. Nothing magical but he seems to get through the work that goes unnoticed.
“Do you like his fun side as well?”, Mo’unga was asked.
“Yeah, that could be his Aussie side maybe.”
In control and on top of his game, the All Blacks will hope a relaxed Mo’unga is in similar form against an Irish team on a 17-game winning steak.
Among the entertainment there were serious messages too, though, with Savea finishing with: “We’ve very excited. We can’t wait.
“This team has been through a lot together. To perform and get the result we want will be hugely important for us.”
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