Richie Mo'unga is back in black for the first time in almost three years, joining the All Blacks to start against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old had not played a test since the 2023 World Cup final, which the All Blacks lost to the Springboks by a single point, before three seasons and two League One titles with Toshiba in Japan.
"It's really special. It's been a long time. I'm grateful to be back in this environment," Mo'unga said.
He said the decision to return home was sparked one night in Japan, watching the Six Nations and realising what he was missing.
"It was sitting in Japan one night watching Six Nations knowing there's no better feeling than being in the arena," Mo'unga said.
"When you're watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling. One reason for coming back was to win a World Cup but to not have any regrets of wishing I gave it another crack or thinking there was more to give."
Mo'unga said hearing the New Zealand anthem at Ellis Park and watching the All Blacks upset the Springboks stirred the emotions.
"I knew I missed it but coming back in you realise that this is a really special circle to be in. I'm savouring every moment. I'm not going to take these things for granted. There's an awesome buzz in this group," he said.
Having signed with New Zealand Rugby for 18 months rather than two years, Mo'unga played for Canterbury in the NPC and waited on an injury call-up exemption to join the South African tour.
"Early on it was there were so many different scenarios of how the year could pan out for me. The one thing I knew is I could only control what I could control," he said.
1News' Andrew Saville weighs in on Richie Mo'unga's return to the All Blacks after nearly three years away. (Source: Breakfast)
Mo'unga said he was at peace with the uncertainty.
"Looking back at the last couple of months, it's been the perfect way to come back into this environment, having two NPC games, getting back into some rhythm back home, back in the Canterbury team, and then back in here. I wanted to be here but I was at peace with what was going on."
In his absence the All Blacks changed coaches twice, with Dave Rennie taking over this season and handing the number 10 jersey to Ruben Love, whose form has helped deliver four straight unbeaten tests. Mo'unga said his job now was to support, not compete for the shirt.
"I've been so impressed with how he's played this season as a Hurricanes player and All Black. Coming into this team, it's not about trying to get back in the 10 jersey it's about nailing my role at this moment."
Prop Saula Ma’u will make his first appearance in the black jersey off the bench, while Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah are also in the 23, having just arrived with the squad as injury cover.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps and non-Test games in brackets. * indicates debut:
1. Siale Lauaki (0, 2)
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho (44, 2)
3. Pasilio Tosi (17, 2)
4. Sam Darry (10, 2)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (57, 4) - Captain
6. Wallace Sititi (21, 2)
7. Ethan Blackadder (14, 2)
8. Semisi Ta'eiloa (0, 1)
9. Noah Hotham (3, 0)
10. Richie Mo'unga (56, 1)
11. Emoni Narawa (4, 2)
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (2, 2)
13. Rieko Ioane (88, 2)
14. Fehi Fineanganofo (1, 2)
15. Beauden Barrett (144, 3)
Reserves
16. Bradley Slater (0, 1)
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (68, 2)
18. Saula Ma'u *
19. Jamie Hannah (1, 0)
20. Peter Lakai (11, 2)
21. Kyle Preston (2, 3)
22. Josh Jacomb (0, 2)
23. Anton Lienert-Brown (91, 3)
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