Chiefs and All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted rugby players on the planet.
The 28-year-old has made 47 appearances for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2016 but has largely struggled to lock down a starting position.
In large part, this has come down to the talent of Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga, who, between them, held down the fullback and flyhalf berths since 2017.
However, with Mo’unga now seemingly out of the picture following his move to Japan and Barrett entering the twilight years of his career at 32-years-old, McKenzie would appear to be best placed to make the All Blacks number ten shirt his own.
If today’s Super Rugby opener between the Chiefs and the Crusaders is anything to go by, McKenzie looks to have picked up right where he left off last season.
One moment in particular that stands out was a sublime piece of attacking play in which McKenzie drops back to receive a clearance kick before launching an outlandish counterattack.
Taking the ball from inside his own 22, McKenzie steadies for look sets to be a kick; he dummies the first tackler before burning Crusaders scrumhalf Finlay Christie.
Once through the Crusaders defence, McKenzie then finds his fullback Shaun Stevenson with a perfect offload who in turns pops the ball to scrumhalf Xavier Roe who dives over for the try.
He protec, he attac, he DMac 💥#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/K0RQSTl910
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 23, 2024
The All Blacks will play their first test match of the year against England on July 6th.
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