Rugby-'Big boys' Barrett, McKenzie can handle Mo'unga return, says NZ coach Robertson

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Semi Final - Argentina v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 20, 2023 New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga in action REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo

(Reuters) -New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has welcomed the internal competition Richie Mo'unga's return will bring while offering cold comfort to the players who may lose the race for the All Blacks' coveted number 10 jersey.

After a trophy-laden stint in Japan, Mo'unga will come home to New Zealand next season and bid to recover the starting flyhalf position in the leadup to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.