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Richie Mo’unga labeled the 2026 Springboks a “complete team” after Rassie Erasmus’ men claimed a thrilling victory in rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in Baltimore.
The RGR Trophy may have the option of splitting in two in the event of a series tie, but those magnets will remain connected for the next four years and will sit alongside the four Rugby World Cups on South Africa Rugby HQ until the tour returns, onwards New Zealand soil, 2030
South Africa overcame their opening game defeat at Ellis Park to make it three straight wins over their famous rivals, All black peopleincluding a decisive 43-28 victory that sealed the historic series victory at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday. Although the teams were only separated by three points at half-time, the Boks struck first and second in the second half to take a commanding lead before the two nations traded tries in the final quarter.
“They are such a great team at applying pressure and taking chances. And we didn’t take ours,” Mo’unga said after his first 80 minutes of Test rugby in 1,050 days.
The playmaker’s last international was against South Africa in 2023 Rugby World Cup final, which New Zealand famously lost by one point at the Stade de France.
Mo’unga’s test return, his 10th against the Boks, was less even on the scoreboard, prompting a sense of admiration from the 32-year-old. He told reporters in Baltimore that South Africa was “definitely” a better side than the one he faced in 2023.
“They are a complete team: they are capable of taking you forward, being really clinical and taking you out in threes, but they also have players who can play; guys with quick feet at the back,” Mo’unga said.
“It gives us really good opportunities; we know we have to be better, and that’s been the story of the last four Tests. But if we can really take those lessons, it will be really exciting for the future of this team.
“I think there’s going to be some really good conversations about how to build pressure. I think we’ve seen what we can do with the ball, but maybe what we can do without the ball is really stifle them in our own half. It just comes down to some of those little moments where I think we can be better.”
For Mo’unga, who has foregone All Blacks eligibility while spending the last three years plying his trade in Tokyo, a return to the international arena has lived up to expectations.
“To be honest, it’s a bit of a blur,” he mused just an hour after the final whistle. “I’ll have to keep an eye on it back. But just judging how I feel, man, it’s so special to be back in the Test arena. After three years, it’s exactly what I thought it would be; the feeling of the national team and putting the jersey back on.”
“I felt like I belonged there. The last three years building up to that moment, it’s just really worth it, to come home and give myself that opportunity.”
