‘It’s Richie’s turn’: Why Damian McKenzie missed out on All Blacks selection

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has explained the somewhat surprising decision to leave Damian McKenzie out of the matchday squad to take on fierce rivals South Africa in Auckland on Saturday.

If you’re reading this article and you love this sport, chances are you’ve heard the saying ‘a week is a long time in Test rugby.’

When the All Blacks named their first side of 2023 to take on Los Pumas in Mendoza about a week ago, McKenzie had won the race to start in the No. 10 jersey ahead of Richie Mo’unga.

McKenzie was visibly excited in the leadup to the Test after being given the “first crack” at the famous jersey, while Beauden Barrett was named to start at fullback.

Following a shaky start at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, which saw Pablo Matera charge down a McKenzie kick after about 20 seconds, the playmaker sprung into form.

McKenzie finished with three try assists in perfect conditions. The flyhalf had a mixed night off the kicking tee though, which was a minor blemish on an otherwise promising display.

But now, ahead of the All Blacks’ highly anticipated clash with world champions South Africa, McKenzie has been left out of the matchday side altogether.

Crusaders pivot Richie Mo’unga will start in the No. 10 jersey, while Beauden Barrett has retained his spot out the back.

“We looked at both 10s, both Richie and Damian. Pretty excited with their form at the end of the Super season,” coach Ian Foster told reporters on Thursday.

“Really pleased with Damian. I think we stated why we started Damian last week, that was a chance to get him in there, he’s been out for a long time, out of our squad so it’s a chance for him to go and play.

“Really enjoyed his game… it also gave Richie a chance to have a little bit of a breather. They’ve both had big minutes in Super Rugby, amongst the highest out of all our backs.

“Now it’s Richie’s turn.”

McKenzie may have made a statement last weekend, but the All Blacks couldn’t fit him in their team to play the Springboks at all.

There wasn’t even room on the bench for the 41-Test All Black.

Utility Braydon Ennor has been named in the No. 22 jersey, and Caleb Clarke will also look to provide impact against a tiring Boks outfit. The All Blacks have gone with a 5-3 split.

“If you look at what Damian did in Super Rugby, he was one of the highest backs (for) minutes in Super Rugby, so we see this as a chance to give him a little bit of a breather,” Foster added.

“Certainly not based on anything else.”

The All Blacks take on the Springboks at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday at 7.05 pm NZST. Following that Test, the Wallabies host Los Pumas in Sydney.