Mo’unga returns as All Blacks make mass changes for final Springboks test

Richie Mo’unga will play his first test match for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

He’s at first-five for Sunday’s fourth and final test against the Springboks in Balitmore with half of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy still up for grabs.

Beauden Barrett’s been included on the bench for his 145th test match alongside Rieko Ioane, with both players yet to feature in the six test matches so far this year.

Codie Taylor will captain the test team for the first time as part of a brand new front row alongside fit-again loose-head prop Ethan de Groot and tight-head prop Fletcher Newell.

Tyrel Lomax, who’s struggled in his three starts in the number three jersey, drops to the bench to form an all-Hurricanes bomb squad with Asafo Aumua and Xavier Numia.

Ethan Blackadder’s a popular selection on the openside flank as he gets prepared to play his first test since 2024 after being ravaged by injury.

Peter Lakai shifts from blindside flanker to his preferred number eight position, allowing Tupou Vaa’i to return to the six jersey after starting at lock in the third test.

The Blues brothers of Sam Darry and Patrick Tuipulotu form the second-row combination with Josh Lord, who suffered a concussion after a head clash with de Groot in the second test, returning via the reserves.

Two missed tackles in the third test defeat has seen Leroy Carter dropped from the 23, allowing Josh Moorby to wear the eleven jersey once-again as coach Dave Rennie leaves out game-breakers Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa, and Fehi Fineanganofo.

Anton Lienert-Brown replaces the injured Quinn Tupaea at centre.

Kyle Preston is poised to play every single match on tour, named as the reserve halfback behind Cam Roigard.