Richie Mo’unga’s long-awaited return to the All Blacks jersey did not quite go to plan, with supporters delivering a mixed verdict on the experienced playmaker.
A much-changed New Zealand side were pushed all the way by the Lions at Ellis Park, the same venue where they claimed a convincing 33-16 victory over the Springboks just days earlier.
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Mo’unga was back in black for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but his comeback performance left some supporters questioning the hype surrounding his return.
The 32-year-old showed glimpses of his quality, including a well-timed pass to help create a try for Ethan Blackadder, but handling errors and a missed conversion prevented him from completely taking control of the contest.
RUCK writer Charlie Elliott felt Mo’unga grew into the game despite failing to live up to the considerable hype surrounding his comeback.
Elliott wrote in his player ratings
“Returning to the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Mo’unga did not quite live up to the hype but still put in a decent display.
“He showed flashes of his experience and quality, including a well-timed pass for a Blackadder try, although a couple of handling errors prevented him from making a bigger impact.
“Towards the end of the match he really took the game by the scruff of the neck, helping his side to victory. While his overall impact was good, it was not what many fans would have expected from the 32-year-old.”
His performance prompted plenty of debate on social media.
One fan wrote on X: “Mo’unga hasn’t played for the All Blacks for 1032 days. In that time the UK has had three Prime Ministers. He has never been the answer.”
Another suggested the performance could benefit one of his rivals for the jersey: “Ruben Love will be enjoying watching this. Barrett and Mo’unga butchered any chance of a Test recall.”
A third simply added: “Don’t get the Mo’unga hype.”
Mo’unga was not the only experienced All Blacks playmaker to come under fire.
Beauden Barrett missed two conversions, while Mo’unga was also unsuccessful with one attempt from the tee, leaving six points on the field between them.
One supporter joked: “Barrett and Mo’unga keeping the Lions in the game!”
Another account highlighted their struggles from the tee, writing: “Beauden Barrett missed two conversions. Richie Mo’unga has missed one conversion. That’s 6 points missed.”
Despite the criticism, Mo’unga ultimately marked his long-awaited All Blacks comeback with a victory.
However, after such a lengthy absence from Test rugby, his return has certainly done little to end the debate over who should wear New Zealand’s No.10 jersey.
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All Blacks player ratings vs Lions
15 Beauden Barrett — 6
A mixed performance from the experienced Barrett, who showed flashes of the class and composure that have defined his career but was also guilty of some costly mistakes.
Several missed conversions allowed the Lions to retain control on the scoreboard, while he occasionally appeared too eager and short of his usual composure.
He also missed a first half opportunity in the corner that a player of his calibre would normally be expected to finish.
14 Fehi Fineanganofo — 8
Performances like this will only make Fineanganofo’s potential move to Newcastle Red Bulls seem increasingly unlikely.
The winger looks a serious talent and was among the All Blacks’ most consistently dangerous players, causing problems with his direct running and pace.
Every time he got the ball, Fineanganofo looked capable of creating something. A sharp burst down the wing and a perfectly timed pass also played a key role in setting up his side’s third try.
Was unlucky that his try was disallowed for a forward pass in the build-up.
13 Rieko Ioane — 8
Ioane was a constant threat with ball in hand, producing several strong carries before scoring twice, including an interception try.
With 135 metres carried, he was second in the rankings for this game, behind his centre partner.
His defensive display was less convincing, with four missed tackles in the first half, but he also made seven and showed plenty of quality throughout.
12 Timoci Tavatavanawai — 8
Tavatavanawai was consistently effective with ball in hand, producing a series of strong carries and making valuable metres for his side.
All-in-all, the Highlanders centre made an impressive 138 metres with the ball in-hand.
His supporting play was impressive, and he provided a tidy assist for Ethan Blackadder before being replaced after 65 minutes.
11 Emoni Narawa — 8
Narawa was a shining light in the side, alongside fellow winger Fineanganofo. His impressive break around the fringes and smart pass inside assisted the first try for the visitors, and he kept the Lions defence guessing with his dangerous and direct running.
Capped off his display with a well-earned second try of the match, showing his strong finishing ability.
10 Richie Mo’unga — 6
Returning to the black jersey for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Mo’unga did not quite live up to the hype but still put in a decent display.
He showed flashes of his experience and quality, including a well-timed pass for a Blackadder try, although a couple of handling errors prevented him from making a bigger impact.
Towards the end of the match he really took the game by the scruff of the neck, helping his side to victory. While his overall impact was good, it was not what many fans would have expected from the 32-year-old.
9 Noah Hotham — 5
It was not a good shift from the 23-year-old in his first All Blacks appearance of 2026.
An early pass was intercepted by Mahashe for the second Lions try of the game, and while he ran over for a score of his own in simple fashion, it didn’t make up for that moment of madness.
His speed of play wasn’t great and he failed to dictate the game effectively.
