Man of the moment Mo’unga no guarantee of All Blacks start
Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga plays an instrumental role in the Crusaders’ Super Rugby win against the Lions in Christchurch
Wellington — Canterbury Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo’unga’s man-of-the-match performance in the Super Rugby final will add fuel to the debate as to whether he can supplant Beauden Barrett for the All Blacks’ starting role. Mo’unga was instrumental for the Crusaders as they beat South Africa’s Lions 37-18 in Christchurch on Saturday to successfully defend their title and grab a ninth overall. While the win was built on defence, 24-year-old Mo’unga ensured the scoreboard ticked over to build pressure on the visitors, who dominated possession and territory. He was flawless off the tee with three penalties and four conversions, challenged the defence with his running and passing, and made the right tactical decisions after a shaky start. Such was the assuredness of his performance it was hard to remember that he had played just 10 minutes off the bench in one test against France last month, while his Lions counterpart Elton Jantjies had made 26 appearances for the Springboks. It was the ...
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