The Barbarians ran the All Blacks close at Twickenham last weekend, losing out 31-22 at the final whistle. The main reason for the Baa-Baas being so competitive against the best team in rugby was a New Zealander, undoubted future All Black, Richie Mo'unga.
Just 23, Mo'unga is a rising star in New Zealand rugby - the out-half helped the Canterbury Crusaders win this year's Super Rugby title.
Come next season, if reports are to be believed, Mo'unga will have the influence of Ronan O'Gara in his rugby life. The Irish Examiner reported on Friday that the Crusaders are eyeing up the former Ireland out-half - currently defence coach at Racing 92 - as assistant coach to Scott Robertson.
If he does make the move - one which an IRFU source told the Examiner that O'Gara is "99% certain" to do - he would be replacing former All Black Leon McDonald as Roberston's assistant.
Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, Mo'unga said that he is excited about the prospect of working with the former Munster man.
He was one of the best in the world when he was around. If the rumours are true it would be pretty cool.
He would be very knowledgeable from a 10's perspective. Leon was a huge help for me this year. He didn't play 10 but he was an outside specialist. When he announced he wasn't coming back I was a bit gutted but I'm excited for whoever gets the opportunity and if it's him it would be awesome. I've never met him or anything but it would be cool.
