Richie Mo’unga will make his return to the All Blacks on Wednesday morning, more than two years after his last Test appearance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

The 56-test first-five has been named to start against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg after joining the All Blacks squad earlier this month as injury cover.

Mo’unga said watching Test rugby while playing in Japan helped convince him he still had more to give at international level.

“Probably sitting in Japan one night watching the Six Nations and just understanding there’s no better feeling than being in the arena.”

He said he wanted to return to New Zealand and the All Blacks to avoid any regrets about ending his international career too early.

“One reason coming back was obviously to win a World Cup, but to not have any regrets of ‘geez I wish I gave it another crack or maybe there was a bit more to give’.”

Mo’unga spent the past two seasons playing in Japan and said the experience gave him a different perspective both personally and professionally.

“Japan gave me a lot of perspective, a lot of different experiences that I haven’t experienced in New Zealand.”

“I’ve grown so much as a person, as a father and as a husband which has been pretty special the last couple of years.”

Mo’unga said he has returned to New Zealand a more experienced player and is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“I’ve just come back really grateful. I knew I missed it, but coming back in you realise this is a really special circle to be in.”

His desire to return was reinforced when he watched the All Blacks beat South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park in the opening Test of their series.

“It was that moment where I was like ‘this is why I wanted to come back’.”

“That feeling of adding to the legacy and that feeling of testing yourself against the best in the world.”

Mo’unga said he is ready for his return to Test rugby.

“This game was always coming for me. There was always going to be a return and I wasn’t sure when it was, but mentally I prepared for a return in the black jersey and I’m ready.”

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie backed Mo’unga to perform despite his lengthy absence from international rugby.

“I’m really excited for Richie. He’s been awesome.”

“He’s a good student and based on training today, he’s got his head around everything we’re trying to do, so he’s contributing well and it will be nice to see him run that team around.”

Rennie also confirmed Ethan de Groot, Josh Lord and Anton Segner will miss the second Test.

Jamie Hannah and Ofa Tu’ungafasi have been called into the squad and will be on the bench for Wednesday morning’s match against the Lions at Ellis Park.

The All Blacks will face South Africa again in the second Test of their series in Cape Town on Sunday morning.

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