Jeff Wilson insists Richie Mo’unga must still earn the All Blacks No 10 jersey despite Ruben Love’s injury ahead of Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.
Love had held down the No 10 jersey for the first six Tests under Dave Rennie before Mo’unga was given his chance in the final match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks in Baltimore.
The Hurricanes playmaker was set to reclaim his starting spot for the Wallabies Tests, but his season has since been ruled over through injury.
That leaves Mo’unga and the uncapped Josh Jacomb as the only recognised flyhalves in the squad, with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett having both been deployed at fullback throughout the year. McKenzie has started all seven Tests at 15 in 2026.
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Speaking on The Breakdown, Wilson was clear that Mo’unga’s recent audition in Baltimore doesn’t guarantee him the jersey going forward.
“We signed him to be in a competition to wear the All Blacks 10 jersey,” he said. “They gave him the opportunity in Baltimore, showed some really nice signs, and Dave Rennie was happy with some of things he saw.
“I don’t think he owns the 10 jersey for the rest of the year, he has to perform otherwise Damian McKenzie might come in and get a chance.”
According to Wilson, shifting McKenzie into the playmaking role would be the most obvious solution should Mo’unga fail to deliver.
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Photo: Caean Couto/Getty Images
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