1
Damian McKenzie hints at Super Rugby return
By Online Editors
Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie is hopeful that he's halfway through his mandatory stand down period from Super Rugby this season.
The electric 23-year-old sat out his side's 30-27 defeat to the Highlanders in their season-opener last week with an ankle strain, but is expected to be back this weekend as the Chiefs travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies.
McKenzie, along with other All Blacks in World Cup contention, are expected to sit out two of their franchise's 16 Super Rugby matches this season as part of a World Cup preservation plan, and he hopes that last week's injury lay-off contributed to his stand down period.
"I hope so – hopefully that's one out of two down," he said to Fairfax.
"Hopefully I can play through a few more games and just have one more off, whenever that may be."
The 23-test utility back said the team's medical staff played a large role in determining how inured All Blacks will be managed throughout the World Cup year.
"I guess it's totally up to how I'm feeling and the medical staff," he said.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments