All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says New Zealand’s preparations for their highly anticipated Test series against world champions South Africa are already at an advanced stage, with selectors having mapped out their plans well before the squad departs for Africa.
The four-Test campaign, widely regarded as one of international rugby’s fiercest rivalries, begins next month, and Rennie revealed that much of the planning—including provisional team selections—has already been completed.
Richie Mo’unga Ruled Out of Initial Tour Squad
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the squad announcement has been the status of star fly-half Richie Mo’unga, but Rennie has confirmed the experienced playmaker will not be part of the original 44-man touring group.
Despite widespread speculation that New Zealand Rugby might accelerate Mo’unga’s return to international duty, the coach dismissed those suggestions, saying the current eligibility rules remain unchanged.
Mo’unga has been unavailable for All Blacks selection since leaving New Zealand to play club rugby in Japan in 2023.
Although he has since returned home and signed a national contract through to next year’s Rugby World Cup, he must first complete a season in New Zealand’s domestic provincial competition before becoming eligible again in October.
Door Still Open if Injury Crisis Strikes
While ruling Mo’unga out of the initial squad, Rennie stressed that the former World Cup fly-half remains firmly in New Zealand’s long-term plans.
The coach explained that Mo’unga could still be called into the touring squad should one of the team’s specialist No. 10s suffer an injury during the campaign.
For now, however, Rennie wants the 32-year-old to focus on regaining full match fitness at provincial level so he is ready if an opportunity arises later in the season.
Coach Impressed by Mo’unga’s Form in Japan
Rennie expressed complete confidence that Mo’unga remains capable of performing at the highest level despite his absence from international rugby.
Having coached against him in Japan over the past three seasons, Rennie said he witnessed first-hand the outstanding form the playmaker maintained during his spell in the Japanese club competition.
Those performances, according to the coach, leave little doubt that Mo’unga will be ready once he becomes eligible for selection again.
Warm-Up Matches to Shape Test Selection
Before facing the Springboks, the All Blacks will take on three South African franchise sides—the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls—in a series of warm-up fixtures designed to fine-tune combinations and assess player form.
Although Rennie acknowledged that selectors already have a preferred lineup for the opening Test, he insisted every member of the touring squad will receive an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the matchday team.
Selection Plans Already Taking Shape
Rennie revealed that the coaching staff have gone beyond simply choosing the touring party, saying they have effectively outlined squads for each of the opening four matches on the African tour.
That extensive planning reflects the significance of the challenge awaiting New Zealand against the reigning world champions.
Even with a preferred starting XV in mind, the All Blacks coach said performances during the opening week of the tour will play an important role in determining final Test selections.
Opening Test Set for Johannesburg
The first Test of the eagerly awaited series between New Zealand and South Africa is scheduled for August 22 in Johannesburg.
With preparations gathering pace and squad decisions largely settled, the All Blacks are entering the tour determined to reclaim momentum against one of their fiercest rivals, while leaving the door open for Richie Mo’unga to make a return later in the season if circumstances allow.
