All Blacks star ‘used to run into trouble’

Standard published on

Playmaker Damian McKenzie says his game management has “matured” to the point that he can now be trusted to call the shots for the All Blacks without going off script.

Making his first appearance for New Zealand since 2021, McKenzie will start at flyhalf against Argentina in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

The 28-year-old put himself into the All Blacks’ World Cup selection contention with dazzling Super Rugby Pacific performances for the Chiefs at pivot this season.

Speaking in the build-up to the clash in Mendoza this weekend, McKenzie told reporters: “My game’s probably matured a little bit more than what it has in the past. I used to run myself into trouble a bit, and put the team under pressure.

“I’ve learnt that kicking is a big part of being a playmaker, and having that experience this year with the Chiefs has been great.”

TEAM: D-Mack at 10, rookie wing for All Blacks

It will only be the third time in 41 Tests that McKenzie will run out wearing the No 10 jersey, with 22 starts at fullback and 16 games from the bench.

He could yet play at fullback again this year, or find himself among the replacements, as Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett are also contenders at flyhalf.

“It’s been a good year so far and being given an opportunity… obviously, Richie and ‘Baz’ [Barrett] are playing great rugby, so I wouldn’t say the jersey’s mine whatsoever,” McKenzie said.

“But it is an opportunity. For me it’s just about just playing my game. Obviously, we’ve got a game plan but you just want to be yourself, be instinctive and play the rugby we have tried to play all year.

WATCH: Eddie roasts Wallabies

“That’ll be what I’m trying to do on Saturday, just do my job. And like I said, it’s an opportunity, so I’ll be trying to make the most of it.”

On facing Los Pumas on their home turf, he added: “They’re very physical, have a great set piece, and defensively they are outstanding too. Obviously over the last couple of years they’ve got even better, so they’re a great side.

“For us it’s about doing nothing too flash. It’s just doing the simple things really well as a team. The boys have had great seasons with their Super sides, so it’s just going out there and just being instinctive and playing rugby.

“We know we’ll have to do that for the full 80 minutes against an Argentinian side in front of a passionate Mendoza crowd.”

Photo: EPA/Dave Hunt/BackpagePix

Post by