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‘Not far away’: All Black Damian McKenzie hints at decision on future
Earlier this week, Rieko Ioane became just the second All Black to commit to New Zealand Rugby through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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The contract extension was music to the ears of the NZR board and All Blacks fans, as Ioane fended off overseas interest in the pursuit of a “legacy” in the black jersey.
But the playing futures of many world-class talents in New Zealand still remains unclear.
On a recent episode of The Breakdown, commentator Ken Laben named Damian McKenzie as the next player NZR must re-sign for another four years.
McKenzie is yet to commit to NZR beyond this year, which could trouble the All Blacks considering the news that two experienced internationals are leaving New Zealand
Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga will leave a hole in the All Blacks’ playmaking stocks when they head to Japan after this year’s World Cup, but McKenzie would be an ideal replacement.
Having played 40-Test matches in the coveted black jersey, the Chiefs star has taken his game to an all-new level in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
After returning to New Zealand following a sabbatical in Japan, McKenzie has starred in the No. 10 jersey for the undefeated Chiefs – helping the team rise to first on the ladder.
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While the 27-year-old remained coy about his future, McKenzie did say that he wasn’t “far away” from making a decision.
“I’m still working through it at the moment (but I’m) not far away from sorting out my future plans,” McKenzie told SENZ The Run Home.
“That’ll be happening very shortly.
“I’m enjoying my rugby here in New Zealand, it’s great, it’s obviously nice being back.
“It’s been great so far at the Chiefs this year and it certainly helps when you’re winning which makes the week a lot more enjoyable.”
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McKenzie spent a season in Japan with Tokyo Sungoliath, before returning to New Zealand’s shores in the leadup to this year’s World Cup.
Having returned to the Chiefs this season, the utility back has taken Super Rugby Pacific by storm – and it all started with a sensational performance in round one.
McKenzie outperformed veteran playmaker Richie Mo’unga at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium, as the Chiefs recorded an incredible 31-10 win over the title holders.
The 27-year-old has been sublime this season, and has played a core role in the Chiefs’ perfect start to the campaign.
Following their round two win over Moana Pasifika in Super Round, McKenzie told RugbyPass that the opportunity to stay in New Zealand was “enticing.”
“It’s definitely enticing,” McKenzie told RugbyPass.
“Obviously they’ve (Mo’unga and Barrett) paved the way as first-fives of the All Blacks the last few years.
“I guess it’s an opportunity where I’ve got to grow my game as a driver of a team and if I try to keep up the good form and get to the higher honours then that would be great.
“They’re leading the way so it’s great to learn off them, but hopefully I can also push them as well throughout the year.”
Following his player of the match performance against the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend, McKenzie and the Chiefs turn their focus to their upcoming clash with the Fijian Drua on Friday.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
5 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
5 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments