ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Jul 19, 2021

WATCH: Damian McKenzie's outstanding try-saving tackle

Dynamic All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie provided one of the better defensive highlights of the weekend with his try-saving tackle and turnover in New Zealand’s convincing 60-13 win over Fiji.

ADVERTISEMENT

McKenzie is most well-known for his agility and skill with ball-in-hand. His ability to make defenders miss is truly a joy to watch. He’s also fearless and is not shy when it comes to contact.

WATCH: McKenzie hit hard by brutal Botia shoulder in All Backs win over Fiji

With that in mind, he’s also a skilled defender, as he makes clear in this try-saving tackle and turnover on Ben Volavola

The hosts dispelled much of the negative talk surrounding last week’s performance. They were much more clinical in areas that let them down in the first match against an aggressive Fiji side.

Once again, Fiji’s physicality allowed them to hang around for the first half-hour. The All Blacks then opted for a shot on goal. This proved to be a turning point, giving them a moment to collect themselves before blowing the doors off.

Speaking of the match, head coach Ian Foster said: “We weren’t as clinical as we wanted to be early, but maybe we were just a bit excited. But I loved the composure, the way Sam got the guys composed.”

“Within that first 20 I think we had about seven turnovers against us for various reasons, but then we calmed down and really played some good, clinical rugby.”

All Blacks Haka vs Fiji Cibi:

Fiji certainly made a good, physical showing over the last two weeks and will be disappointed in having to wait until the end-of-year tours to play again.

Fiji head coach Vern Cotter said: “It’s fair to say we’re disappointed. Because just up until the 25th-30th minute, we were still in the game.”

ADVERTISEMENT

WATCH: Emotional Fijians break down over hardships of Covid bubble ahead of All Blacks Test

“The 35th minute we had the last five penalties against us, for offsides and ruck offences. So we made it so hard for ourselves. When we did compete, I thought we competed well.”

“I think, physically, dynamic speed and explosive energy, we’re ok. But we don’t maintain it, so we’re going to have to work on ourselves a little bit around that endurance side of things.”

Full match highlights:

Related Articles

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Heart Breaking Six Nations Ending For Italy As Scotland Score Long Range Try

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Montpellier Number Eight Zach Mercer Outlandish Attacking Skill

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Damian Penaud Pulls Off a "van der Merwe" in Outrageous French Try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland Winger James Lowe With World Class Finish In Titanic Battle With France

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Sonny-Bill Williams Gives Irish U20 Star A Shoutout For Classy Offload

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 DAY AGO

    England and Ireland fans express disappointment in grand slam refereeing decisions

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    England Fullback Shown Red For Collision With Opposite Number

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Springbok Flyhalf Back With A Bang In Huge Development For World Champions

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Shocking Scenes As Rugby Players Attacked Following Rivalry Clash In South Africa

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    A Look Back At Rugby’s Greatest Ever Film

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ardie Savea Moment Of Magic In Super Rugby Aotearoa

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    'Armchair athletes' berate Arundell's seriously impressive bench press

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Worcester Warriors - The End

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Sevens magic as 'headed' try brings stadium to its feet

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Almost 35,000 have now signed petition to reverse new grassroots tackle laws

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Jonathan Sexton Fantastic Comeback Caught On Ref Mic

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Hilarious Footage Of English Players Post Leg Day Workout

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen leaves viewers in stitches with hilarious post-match interview mistake

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    A Look Back At Rugby’s Greatest Ever Film

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    "Talk Is Cheap" - Jamie Ritchie Responds To Dan Biggar's Pre-Match Comments

View All

Amateur

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Youth and experience combine in an effort to repeat Six Nations upset

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Wales international releases emotional statement after being offered contract that isn’t enough to feed family

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ardie Savea causes outrage with ‘throat slitting’ gesture

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Smith, Marchant and Murley released from England camp to take part in 'Big Game 14'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen leaves viewers in stitches with hilarious post-match interview mistake

View All