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:

Comments




Related Articles

  • 85 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 85 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 85 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Julian Savea breaks Super Rugby record as he dives over for 61st try

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    130m 'Try of the Decade' breaks the rugby internet

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

View All

Funnies

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 21 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

View All

Amateur

  • 62 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 62 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 85 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 85 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Lynagh straight into international rugby

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Young star set to make first test start for England

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Jamie Heaslip Exclusive: Respectfully...Ireland fear no one

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Opinion: The England fly half debate

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's Dream Six Nations Sevens Team

View All