Read to Richie: Just do what you do for the Crusaders
It’s not a Super Rugby game. Richie Mo’unga knows that.
The Crusaders first five-eighth gets his first start in an All Blacks No 10 jersey, when they meet Argentina tonight. No doubt it’s a big deal for the 24-year-old, but he won’t play to his best if those around him build the occasion up too much.
That starts with the All Blacks captain.
Kieran Read has tried as hard as anyone to ensure Mo’unga stays level and isn’t overawed by trying to fill Beauden Barrett’s boots, or the responsibility of steering around such a successful side. That can make a player go quiet and New Zealand need Mo’unga to be comfortable barking orders.
‘‘He’s the type of player who’s pretty calm,’’ Read said of his fellow Crusader. ‘‘All through the week, it’s tough coming in and trying to run the ship as a young player. [But] he’s certainly able to have those conversations when they need to be had and that’s impressed me.
‘‘So, for him, I’ve just told him all week just go out and play your game as if it’s the Crusaders and he’ll do a great job.’’
Mo’unga has played a big hand in the Crusaders winning the last two Super titles, combining accurate goalkicking with a good tactical awareness and an ability to spot gaps and accelerate through them. It’s a potent mix and one that has convinced more than a few fans he’s worthy of more game time at No 10.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen earmarked this match as the one Mo’unga should get his first start in. That means a rest for Barrett, with other senior pros such as Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Sam Cane and Rieko Ioane also sitting this game out for one reason or another.
Read’s loose trio isn’t chock full of experience either. This is only the sixth start of openside flanker Ardie Savea’s 28-test career, while blindside Shannon Frizell only has an appearance against France under his belt.
It’s a combination with potential, given how good Savea and Frizell are as ball-runners, but maybe not the authority and solidity that Cane and Liam Squire bring.