Why it would be dangerous to select Damian McKenzie ahead of Jordie Barrett for the All Blacks

Selection headaches loom for Ian Foster.

Those under consideration for the fullback role when Wales hit these shores are: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Damian McKenzie and David Havili. Much will depend on whether Foster uses the older Barrett as a No 10, where he will play for the Blues, or whether he will revert to the 2019 experiment, which worked quite well, of having Richie Mo’unga running the cutter at first five, while Barrett can cut some shapes from the back.

If we take it that the impressive Crusader Havili will only make the cut if there are injuries, then either Damian McKenzie or Barrett the Younger will be the unlucky man in an All Blacks match-day squad.

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I’m a fan of both Jordie Barrett and McKenzie and the latter would likely have made the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad were it not for his untimely knee injury. He made a pleasing return to action for the Chiefs against the Crusaders last weekend, playing the full game, giving the last pass for Solomon Alaimalo’s try, putting on the razzle with a (slightly unnecessary but aesthetically sweet) reverse pass, and tackling gamely.

So, given a few matches to get up to full speed, McKenzie will be a lock for the All Blacks? Surely? Not so fast.