Key All Blacks attacking weapon Damian McKenzie has been ruled out of rugby for the year with a knee injury, meaning new tactics may be required in their Rugby World Cup defence.
Coach Steve Hansen confirmed on Monday that Chiefs fullback McKenzie had damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during the Super Rugby win over the Blues on Saturday.
He isn’t expected to return to rugby until early 2020 in a major blow to the Chiefs’ campaign and leaving Hansen with a puzzle over how to replace his versatility.
The elusive 23-year-old’s ability to play both fullback and five-eighth had made him invaluable over the last two seasons.
McKenzie started at fullback in the four major Tests on their season-ending tour last year but would often come into the backline as a second playmaker in a fundamental change to the way New Zealand attacked.
Hansen believed he has the personnel to cover McKenzie’s loss, singling out five-eighths Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga and outside backs Ben Smith and Jordie Barrett as players blessed with versatile skills.
“But it’s a pill you have to swallow. It’s not one you like but you have to swallow it,” Hansen said.
“The quicker we accept it, the quicker we can move on.
“Damian’s still young enough to make probably the next two (World Cups). It’s sad for him but obviously creates a dream for somebody else.”
Hansen provided an update on the recovery process of other injured All Blacks.
He was pleased Sam Cane had resumed light training after breaking his neck on Test duty in South Africa last October and said the key for the 60-Test flanker was being confident in his ability to handle collisions.
Midfield back Sonny Bill Williams had come through knee surgery and should have about a month’s worth of Super Rugby action to prove his fitness before New Zealand’s short pre-World Cup Test program begins, Hansen said.
Old Bugger
Guest
It's an NZR rule in an effort to retain players in NZ rather than lose them to the Euro-market. The rule hasn't changed but, it's likely to come under scrutiny when the new SR broadcasting deal is considered. Whispers have it that SANZAAR partners are considering allowing their respective players to join off-shore SR franchises but still remain elligible, for their national team.
Danny
Roar Pro
NZ rules or WR rules? NZ rules can be "refined" if need be. WR rules would obvs be a show stopper.
samalavich
Roar Rookie
Not if BBBBBs current form on that front continues, or is he the other 50
Old Bugger
Guest
It's been in for a while mate. Piutau didn't get a look in for 2015 even Nonu returned from a sabbatical to qualify. The NZR have always maintained AB selection was based upon playing in the SR - it was their first rule to retain players.
Peter Kelly
Guest
Where and when did the rule come in that you had to play SR in NZ to be eligible for ABs. Pretty sure NZR can pick any kiwi they want when a WC is at stake.
Julz
Guest
Nonu, Laumape and SBW will be vying for that fourth center spot though. I think Crotty, Liernet-Brown and Goodhue are sure fire the first 3 centers on Hansens list.
Old Bugger
Guest
Fionn The dual playmaker roles offered a plan B anytime after HT, compared to the sole playmaker. Agreed Bender started the tests but as the opposition started to tire and the rush defence started to wane, bringing on D-Mac at FB and moving Bender to the right flank, offered two playmakers to direct the attack on either side of the ruck or set piece scrum. That option then caused the opposition to really think about how to set their defence because any quick ball, would immediately provide an attacking opportunity for the attacking team. But again, the attack would also depend upon how well the set-piece or ruck platform, was performing.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Can't be sure Fionn obviously. But he has played at 1st five as well as full-back and is a legitimate 1st receiver. Having both on the park also creates an opportunity for 1 or both to operate as 2nd receiver in set-play roles. I think it's pretty obvious that he has been tried pretty regularly and that Hansen and co value that additional play-maker role. Initially this started when Ben Smith was absent in 2017 but was a regular feature in 2018. It also allows Barrett to drop back to a dual-fullback role on defense. But it also moves Ben Smith to the wing and while he is still good there the argument is what we may lose without him at the back. To answer your question Hansen and co may not opt for that play without Damian but it appears to this fan that it is a strategy that they may persist with.
Old Bugger
Guest
Too late mate....they had to play SR this season for an NZ franchise and not outside of NZ.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Ben Smith has played at fullback for most matches since the last World Cup from memory. Do you really think they were wedded to dual playmakers or just trying it out?
taylorman
Roar Guru
Bldy knees, a plight on the sport...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Im sure I had DMac at FB in my original post but anyway... A Smith Barrett Nonu Goodhue B Smith and Reiko wings DMac at FB I dont think theres a backline anywhere to match that.
Danny
Roar Pro
Are they both eligible or would some rule changes be required?
Old Bugger
Guest
He is certainly getting the minutes and the experience with the Wolves but, he had to play SR in NZ and not Japan, to qualify for the ABs. Similarly for any other candidate outside of NZ's SR teams. Plus, I think he qualifies for Japan through residency anyway.....or does he..??
Targa
Guest
NZ rugby needs to open cheque book for Hayden Parker and get him contracted to an NPC team. He's much better than any other option.
AndyS
Guest
I have to admit, while my first reaction to the news was as above, it was immediately followed by the thought that Stephen Donald must be thinking "Aye aye, here we go again...". My ears still haven't unpopped from last time as 4 million people simultaneously sucked in their breath ;)
Old Bugger
Guest
Yep, we could see MN chosen if he plays the house down from now till the SR end but, I suggest both Crotty and SBW will need to be out before MN, gets favoured. Laumape is getting game time and he is an incumbent which is always a favourite for Hansen, when it comes to loyalty. Then we end up with ALB, Goodhue, Laumape and Nonu where that experience will be a definite pre-requisite. The one risk for Hansen and Co is if ALB, has the experience to lead with Goodhue cos that's the only mitigation, to consider Nonu. I only chose JB in the mid-field if we really started to suffer with injuries cos then, it may offer an opening in the outside backs, for someone else in the bolter ranks...someone like Alaimano as wing/FB. Atm, my back-4 would be Bender, Reiko, Bridge and Alaimano unless Naholo, can find some form. Hence my query on the back-4.
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
If it's 5 I think Nonu could go as long as he makes every post a winner from now till then. And at the moment he's out-playing SBW. But your point regarding the other and those waiting in the wings registers too. I just think his experience and skill-set could be valuable in Japan if he gets the opportunity. As to after the RWC? Well, he'll be too old and slow by then... probably... and there are some good names coming thru as you have suggested. But one thing I cannot see is a bolter or anyone under-done from those positions making the trip, which for me counts out Laumape at least. Barrett won't play in the centres, unless it's a jiggle from the bench.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah gutted if he cant make it. He and beaudy are unique in terms of playmaking, THE two most creative runners and playmakers in the game IMO. I had a backline of A Smith Barrett Nonu Goodhue B Smith and Reiko Mouanga, tjp, alb or crotty on bench. I think thats the best backline we have in terms of full on attack, multiple playmaking options and leadership. We lose dmac, ben S is certain FB now and we need a right winger. Bridge? Naholo? Hansen wont be happy with that.
Old Bugger
Guest
I don't think the ABs do need a dual playmaker. BB can switch to fill DM's fullback role when RM comes off the bench - this is what would have happened when DM comes on and goes straight to FB with Bender going to the right flank. What is needed is a No10 with good direction talent, can lead the team around the paddock, kicks off both legs, can run the cutter if and when needed and, can kick goals if called upon. The only No10 who has played all the minutes so far, is Black for the Blues while M-Mac, has logged some minutes with the Chiefs. Would Hansen & Co consider any of these guys or would they look for a bolter...?? For starters, I think both players will come under more scrutiny from the selectors but a good indication, might be who gets an invite, to the next foundation day get-together.