Is it finally Damian McKenzie’s time in the new All Blacks era?
Damian McKenzie in action for All Blacks during the Rugby World Cup.
Star playmaker Damian McKenzie is looking to embrace the golden opportunity to step up as a first-choice fly-half in the new All Blacks era under Scott Robertson.
Robertson’s arrival at the helm of the side has been highly anticipated but comes with a lot of change as a fair portion of the Rugby World Cup squad has moved overseas to ply their trade, making them unavailable for selection.
Up for grabs
The biggest pressure point is fly-half with Richie Mo’unga now playing in Japan, leaving the door to the 10 jersey wide open for McKenzie. Beauden Barrett is another player in Japan but only on a short-term basis, offering another option for Robertson when he returns to New Zealand later this year.
As the Chiefs star says himself, it is a brilliant opportunity for McKenzie to build on some impressive form in Super Rugby Pacific last season and finally get an extended run in an All Blacks starting spot.
“You’ve got to embrace it. There’s obviously an opportunity there this year so for me, I’ve always been a person who takes it week by week, but you’ve got to take care in your performance, you’ve got to prepare well,” McKenzie said.
“There’s a clear and obvious opportunity there in the first five position. That’s the position I want to play and that’s where I want to be, being able to lead this team. I know there’s a lot of work to be done before that first team gets named so I’m really excited for that opportunity.”
Form is everything
It is a simple equation going forward for the 28-year-old who knows that the only way to secure the starting role with the All Blacks is to shine in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
“It’s more been [about] coming back and trying to get some good numbers in our testing, to be honest,” he said.
“We’ve had conversations in the past and with a couple of other coaches in the [All Blacks] management. There’s a big Super Rugby campaign we’ve got ahead of us and hopefully I’ll put my hand up for that 10 jersey.”
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