Damian McKenzie: All Blacks Fly-half Under Pressure to Impress Against Japan

The All Blacks’ clash with Japan could well be significant for Damian McKenzie as he seeks to reclaim the fly-half shirt from Beauden Barrett.

That is the word from coach Jason Holland, who discussed the playmaking duel ahead of this weekend’s tour opener against the Brave Blossoms. McKenzie has been reinstated in the number 10 jersey after being dropped for Barrett in New Zealand’s final match of the Rugby Championship against the Wallabies. Barrett impressed as they comfortably defeated Australia 33-13 in late September, while the Chiefs star revised his role from the 2023 Rugby World Cup by coming on as an impact replacement.

Despite McKenzie returning to the XV, it is a makeshift All Blacks side with Scott Robertson opting to give opportunities to some fringe members of the squad. That is potentially instructive ahead of their huge clash against England where Barrett could well come back in at fly-half, but Holland unsurprisingly does not see it that way. The coach is hoping that they can spur each other on to greater heights and give New Zealand at least two genuine options in the pivot position looking towards 2025.

“It’s good competition isn’t it? Beaudie has really taken his opportunity, when he got his start at 10, and we want to encourage that competition,” he told Stuff.

“We would like to see DMac come in and own the game, and manage the game, and make sure he expresses himself in the way that Damian does. Yep, it’s definitely a big game for all of us, in that there is a lot of competition in the squad. The thing with DMac is that he continues to be himself and that he manages the game really well.”

Damian McKenzie's Redemption Arc

McKenzie was selected as Richie Mo’unga’s successor at the start of 2024 and he was vehemently backed by Robertson. He started the first eight games of the campaign but was then dropped for their final match of the Rugby Championship. That decision came after an inconsistent display in the first Bledisloe Cup clash where moments of brilliance were interspersed with basic errors.

Holland admits that the 29-year-old needs to eradicate those mistakes but, at the same time, they do not want to curb his natural game. “With a guy that has got the skill level of DMac, it is definitely not a ‘don’t worry about it’ – it is to make sure we finish and just think around how to do that,” he said.

“So a lot of the time in our game, doing the simple stuff really well, works. We don’t need to push anything because we have got such a high skill level. DMac would be disappointed in those things where we saw his brilliance with the breaks but we don’t quite finish. So we have got a real focus around finishing, to start this tour and that will continue all the way through to make sure that we finish whatever we do.”

The Stakes for Damian McKenzie

The Japan Test represents a critical opportunity for McKenzie to prove his worth and secure his place in the All Blacks starting lineup. The All Blacks will be eager to begin their 2024 northern tour with a resounding victory against the Brave Blossoms, and McKenzie’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. He will be under pressure to display the same level of brilliance he showcased in his previous games while minimizing those crucial errors that led to his benching.

McKenzie’s success against Japan could pave the way for him to solidify his position as the first-choice fly-half heading into their upcoming clashes against England and other European teams. A subpar performance, however, could see him relegated back to the bench and his path to regaining the starting position becoming more challenging.

The match also has implications for the future of the All Blacks’ playmaking options. Coach Holland has acknowledged the importance of fostering competition and nurturing multiple talents in key positions. While McKenzie is fighting for his spot, Barrett is also striving to make his mark and secure his own place in the team. Both players will be keen to demonstrate their abilities and make a strong case for their inclusion in the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

The All Blacks’ Northern Tour: A Pivotal Moment

This year-end tour is crucial for the All Blacks, serving as a testbed for the team’s World Cup preparations. The matches against Japan, England, and other European nations will provide valuable experience and insights for the coaching staff, allowing them to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their players and refine their strategies for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

This tour also offers a chance for the All Blacks to showcase their skills and ambition to the world. With a new era unfolding under coach Scott Robertson, the team is looking to redefine itself and assert its dominance on the international stage. Their performance in these upcoming matches will set the tone for the next chapter of their journey and shape their aspirations for the World Cup.

The All Blacks will be eager to get their 2024 northern tour to Japan and Europe off to a positive start when they face off against the Brave Blossoms. The clash with Japan will be a significant test for the All Blacks and their playmaking options, but it also presents a valuable opportunity for McKenzie to reclaim his spot and cement his position as a key figure in the team’s future.