Ex-All Blacks fly-half in big Richie Mo’unga prediction after Scott Robertson made ‘no secret’ of his intentions
All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo'unga and 2011 Rugby World Cup winner Stephen Donald.
Rugby World Cup winner Stephen Donald insists that Richie Mo’unga will not forgo the chance of representing the All Blacks at the next global tournament in 2027.
The 30-year-old is currently plying his trade in Japan after joining Toshiba Brave Lupus on a three-year deal following the 2023 World Cup.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Scott Robertson explored the possibility of bringing him home early, but those efforts came to nothing. It means that Mo’unga is set to see out the rest of his contract in Asia, which ends in 2026.
That duly puts his All Blacks career in doubt considering his potential return to New Zealand would be just a year before the global tournament in Australia begins. By that point, head coach Robertson may well have already put his fly-half plans in place ahead of that competition.
Possible Samoa or Tonga switch
Another factor to consider is that Mo’unga could represent either Manu Samoa or Tonga at the next World Cup as he becomes eligible for those countries at the end of 2026 under World Rugby’s regulations.
It was revealed last week that Tonga Rugby Union would be “reaching out” to the fly-half and his agent to enquire about the possibility of him making a shock switch.
Donald cannot see that happening, however, and fully expects the playmaker to rejoin the Crusaders and put his hand up for All Blacks selection.
“I would suggest that he’s going to be coming back with one year to go and then Super Rugby for the Crusaders to have a nudge here, and try and be the All Blacks 10,” he told The Breakdown.
“Razor’s made no secret of wanting to get him back and I would have thought that’s his dream as he still probably has that lingering [desire] where he wants to go and win it.”
Donald was joined on the panel by Jeff Wilson and the fellow ex-All Black agreed with the World Cup winner’s viewpoint.
“I 100 per cent agree, that will be his long-term plan, but things can change,” Wilson said before adding the caveat, “he’s exploring his options, which he should as an athlete, as a professional.
“He’s looking at, ‘how does the landscape suit for me? Am I really comfortable where I am? Am I comfortable with my career in the All Black jersey? Am I comfortable that we haven’t quite got to the top when I’ve been in charge [of the 10 shirt]? Can I help somebody else go further than they’ve ever gone before?’
“I think he will look at all that.”
Mo’unga warning
Wilson expects NZR to get the chequebook out when Mo’unga becomes available but has warned the fly-half that the governing body’s approach may change if other 10s step up.
“This is a really hard conversation for New Zealand Rugby. We’re assuming they’re just going to open up the books when it’s time for him to come back,” he added.
“What if we have two successful years in the All Blacks where our first five and full-back are flying and playing great rugby.
“Do we have a young superstar come out of the woodwork. Does a Josh Jacomb all of a sudden start playing out of his skin and we go, ‘You know what, do we necessarily need him?’
“I think it’s prudent for him to do this. It’s interesting timing throwing it out there, but I think it’s really important.”
