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Richie Mo’unga door opens as All Blacks lose another backline option
Sport Nation • August 10th, 2026 9:00 am
Richie Mo'unga | Photo: Photosport
Richie Mo’unga's hopes of an All Blacks recall have received a major boost after Billy Proctor was ruled out for the remainder of the South African tour with a fractured shoulder blade.
Proctor, who was forced from the field during the All Blacks' 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town, will return to New Zealand on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks.
"He's got a fractured shoulder blade, a big vertical fracture through that. It's a sort of 10 to 12 week type (of injury)," coach Dave Rennie said.
"He won't require surgery, but that's the sort of time frame. So, yeah, devastated for him. He'll head home on the same plane as George Bell."
With Proctor's departure creating a vacancy in Rennie's squad, attention has immediately turned to whether the door could finally open for Mo'unga.
Speaking on Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy on Monday morning, hosts Scotty Stevenson and Israel Dagg both backed the idea of the 56-Test veteran being called into the squad.
"Surely now. This is it. This is your moment to stop being so obstinate. Stop being so stubborn. Just put the kid on the plane," Stevenson said.
Dagg agreed, saying: "I think it's got to happen, Sumo. We've just got to wait patiently."
Rennie was asked directly whether Mo'unga could replace Proctor and chuckled before replying: "Yeah, well, we'll work through that process."
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Mo'unga has not featured for the All Blacks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against South Africa, but returned to New Zealand this year after several seasons playing in Japan.
He is currently playing for Canterbury in the NPC and has featured in both of their matches, including Sunday's Ranfurly Shield victory over Otago.
Mo'unga must complete a full NPC season to satisfy New Zealand Rugby's requirements for All Blacks selection, but his availability has now become an intriguing possibility with Proctor heading home.
The All Blacks already have Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, uncapped Josh Jacomb and Ruben Love in their squad at first five, while midfield options include Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane.
Stevenson acknowledged there were other options, but argued the circumstances could make Mo'unga the obvious choice.
"If they do go with Richie Mo'unga, I'm not going to be surprised," he said.
For now, Rennie is keeping his cards close to his chest — but with another vacancy opening up, the prospect of a dramatic Mo'unga comeback has suddenly become a lot more real.
Listen to the full chat below:
