Why Ian Foster picked McKenzie over Mo'unga

Following an exceptional year for the Chiefs, Damian McKenzie will get his chance to lead the All Blacks around the park in the team’s first Test of the international season against Argentina.

The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend and Mendoza plays host to the first glimpse of All Blacks rugby in a World Cup year.

Four years of preparation is wrapping up and Ian Foster’s first team announcement of the year hasn’t exactly resolved the lingering questions, although his press conference offered some answers.

McKenzie’s form certainly warranted an opportunity at the playmaker role for the All Blacks, but many expected Foster to prioritize continuity and select Richie Mo’unga with just five games until the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign kicks off against hosts France.

Foster revealed his choice to instead field McKenzie was largely influenced by the idea of getting the Chiefs flyhalf back up to speed in the international game after missing 2022’s international season while playing in Japan.

“He’s just playing well,” Foster said. “He’s been out of the All Blacks for a year, I’ve been so impressed with the way he’s come back and I think that the best way for us to get him back defending the way he can, and contribute and be a part of this team and to give us the best chance to show how he can play for us is to give him that opportunity when he’s feeling confident.

“We’ve got Beaudy (Barrett) at fullback, Richie (Mo’unga) at 10, we’ve got a bit of a luxury there at the moment. It’s just a nice vote of confidence for Damian. When you’ve been out of the All Blacks for a while, there’s always a bit of nerves.

Some speculation suggested Mo’unga and other first-choice options from 2022 are being rested to reserve some energy for the Springboks who the All Blacks face next week in Auckland, but Foster was unwilling to comment on that theory.

“That’s next week’s topic. This is a big Test for us and we’re not thinking too far beyond that right now.”

In the Covid-impacted schedule throughout Foster’s tenure, there have been few Tests outside of New Zealand or Australia, and the coach acknowledged that fact in emphasising the importance of embracing the Mendoza match and all of its challenges.

The match kicks off at 7:10 am NZT on Sunday.