All Blacks call up Mo'unga as cover, Cane inks long-term deal

Published Oct 16, 2017

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WELLINGTON, New Zealand - The All Blacks called up uncapped Richie Mo'unga on Monday to bolster their backline stocks in the squad to face Australia in Brisbane this weekend.

Star fly-half Beauden Barrett suffered a head knock in New Zealand's win over South Africa earlier this month, opening the way for Mo'unga's inclusion.

The world champions also lost winger Nehe Milner-Skudder to a season-ending shoulder injury in the same match.

They said Mo'unga, 23, was coming in as "temporary cover" for the Wallabies match. He is likely to be third-choice fly-half after Lima Sopoaga and Damian McKenzie.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will remain with the squad as a replacement for Luke Romano, who is having time off following the birth of his baby son.

The Wallabies have so far failed in their quest to beat the All Blacks this year after two defeats in Sydney and Dunedin in August.

New Zealand's starting XV will be named on Thursday.

Meanwhile, loose forward Sam Cane signed on to stay with the All Blacks until 2021 on Monday, in a deal the world champions described as "a major coup".

The 25-year-old has played 49 Tests and is part of the All Blacks' leadership group, captaining the team on two occasions.

Cane, who also committed to the Waikato Chiefs Super Rugby team, said he still had the drive to succeed at Test level.

"To re-sign was ultimately an easy decision for me, while the security of a long-term contract is great for me at this point in my career," he said.

"Even though I've been in the All Blacks for five years now, there is still heaps more I want to achieve in the black jersey."

"The deal is a major coup for New Zealand Rugby," the All Blacks said in a statement, adding that Cane was just the second All Black to commit through to 2021.

AFP

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