'They're big boys' - Razor dismisses concerns about Mo'unga's All Black rivals

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has dismissed concerns he will have to carefully manage the expectations of Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie when Richie Mo’unga returns next year.

Mo’unga, the All Blacks’ first choice No.10 when he left for Japan after the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, will be available for selection from October next year, if not sooner should he receive an exemption from the New Zealand Rugby board.

Mo’unga has signed only a short contract which will take him to the end of the 2027 World Cup in Australia. Barrett is also contracted to the end of 2027, with McKenzie committed until the end of 2029.

The playmaker’s return from Toshiba will provide a sudden lift in competition for the No.10 jersey and potentially to the detriment of his two rivals, but Robertson said that was just part of the game.

“They’re big boys,” he said in Buenos Aires ahead of the first Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.

“They know the game. It’s professional and we’re here to compete. The jersey is bigger than everybody. Everyone knows it’s always earned.”

Robertson preferred to focus on the positives of Mo’unga’s return, saying: “I think everyone is pleased that he’s coming back into our game and that he’s going to be around for a Rugby World Cup. He’s served our country for a long time and is coming back to do it again.”

Barrett, who has recovered from a hand injury which kept him out of the third Test against France last month, will likely start at first-five against Argentina in Cordoba on Sunday morning NZT. Skipper and brother Scott, a lock, has also been passed fit from a calf injury.

After wearing the No.10 jersey in Hamilton, McKenzie will likely have to settle for a bench role in Cordoba, with Will Jordan a near certainty to start at fullback.

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If and when Mo’unga wins the No.10 jersey back, Beauden Barrett and McKenzie would likely be competing for a spot on the bench as the days of the All Blacks having two specialist playmakers on the field from the start of Tests appear over.

Mo’unga’s return will also have consequences for utility back Ruben Love, who started at fullback in Hamilton in his second Test and first at home due to Barrett’s hand issue.