Chiefs coach explains decision to rest Damian McKenzie for Crusaders clash

All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie will not line up for the Chiefs on Friday night when they take on a desperate Crusaders outfit in Christchurch, as confirmed by coach Clayton McMillan.

McKenzie, who is widely considered the front-runner to wear the All Blacks’ No. 10 jersey under Scott Robertson, picked up a knock during the Chiefs’ win over the Crusaders in round one.

While the star fly-half had seemingly recovered from that rib injury to star during the Chiefs’ 4-1 start to the season, another injury and rest protocols will see McKenzie miss a round six derby.

With rest protocols requiring All Blacks to miss at least two matches this season, coach McMillan has revealed that McKenzie will miss the Good Friday clash with the Crusaders.

The Crusaders may be anchored to the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with five losses from as many starts, but McMillan insisted this decision had nothing to do with their form.

“We had always planned on Damian getting through the first four of five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols,” McMillan told Stuff.

“It’s certainly got nothing to do with the Crusaders and how they are tracking at the moment, that didn’t even factor into our thinking, it just either had to be last week or this week.

“He’s had a niggly knee… it’s nothing serious, it’s just something that’s been a bit of a niggle at the start of last week, that’s why we contemplated him resting (against the Highlanders) but he came good.

“But it’s just a timely reminder, instead of pushing it another week to a point where something that’s minor could turn into something a little bit more serious.

“If Damian had been 100% fit, it might have been an easier decision to extend him another week, but he’s not, so we won’t risk him.”

The Chiefs will look to keep within touching distance of the high-flying Hurricanes who remain the only undefeated side in the competition with a flawless run of five victories.

With the Chiefs just four competition points back, a bonus point win down in Christchurch and a disastrous defeat for the Hurricanes could see the Hamilton-based franchise leap up to first.