How Chiefs’ McKenzie got his confidence back
British R&B singer Mark Morrison’s 1996 hit single Return of the Mack aptly depicts Damian McKenzie’s form with the Chiefs this season.
Big Jim, as McKenzie is satirically known, made big moves as he inspired the Chiefs to their first win in over a year, snapping a horror 11-game losing run.
McKenzie’s mullet was in full flight last week in Wellington, sparking the Chiefs from a 19-point halftime deficit to record their breakthrough 35-29 victory, with interim coach Clayton McMillan hailing his dynamic utility’s influence.
One swallow does not make a summer, yet the return of McKenzie’s inherent confidence was evident in previous losses to the Highlanders and Crusaders, the latter in which he claimed the opening try.
In a candid interview with the Weekend Herald, as the Chiefs prepare an attempt to upstage the Blues in Hamilton tonight, McKenzie offers an honest assessment of his game over the past 18 months and details changes that have instigated his rugby revival.
To fully grasp McKenzie’s struggles last year it’s important to appreciate he had to overcome mental and physical hurdles in returning from an ACL rupture that robbed him of a place in the All Blacks’ 2019 World Cup squad.
His comeback also began under new Chiefs coach Warren Gatland, someone known for his conservative attacking outlook that appeared to jar with the team’s natural strengths.
Some athletes returning from ACL injuries are never the same again — they lose speed, can’t change direction sharply at top speed and initially lack confidence in contact.
McKenzie was always going to need time to regain his elusive best. This season, he has been more direct in challenging the line and seems on the cusp of the sweet spot that allows any player to instinctively act.
“I feel a lot more confident this year around it. Two years on, the
strapping is off the knee. I’ve also changed my mindset around how I approach the game which has helped a lot,” McKenzie says.
“Last year, at times, I tried to overplay my hand far too many times and tried to look for things rather than letting them come to me. I’m not trying to chase the game as much now, not trying to overwork, and focusing on my own role and doing that well when I’m needed.
“It’s still having that positive mindset around playing attacking rugby but picking my moments when it’s on to run or not and trying to find a balance around running, kicking and touching up the finer things in my game that need improving.
“I feel like I’m doing a good job of getting that balance right. The start of the season has been good so hopefully that can continue.”
McKenzie, by nature, is freespirited.
His tendency to drift across-field eyeing mismatches and holes in the defensive line got him into strife last year as he was picked off and frequently isolated. He cut a frustrated figure, which translated into minimal game time in a condensed All Blacks campaign.
McKenzie started one test at fullback in 2020 — the opening Bledisloe draw against the Wallabies in Wellington after being called in late in the week when Beauden Barrett’s Achillies flared up — and managed another 38 minutes in three appearances from the bench.
After debuting for the Chiefs in 2015, the All Blacks one year later, it’s easy to forget McKenzie is 25. This year is a clean slate. In form and injury-free, he’s intent on making the most of it.
“I’ve got a lot more to give and feel I’m maturing as a player. I’m trying to be a bit more consistent and not so much erratic as some of the previous years have been. There’s still plenty more to come. I’m excited for what the rest of the season holds. Hopefully that win is the start of something.”
With Will Jordan joining McKenzie’s good mate Jordie Barrett in challenging for the All Blacks fullback role, while Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett, when he returns from Japan midyear, contest the 10 jersey, there’s no shortage of options for Ian Foster to consider.
“I’m trying to play good rugby with the Chiefs first and then I’d love to try get a starting spot in the All Blacks team. Obviously that’s not the easiest thing to do — there’s some great fullbacks and first-fives around. If I’m lucky enough to be picked in the team I’ll hopefully pick up a spot.
“You’re trying to compete but it’s healthy competition with each other. If you didn’t have that competition you’d get complacent. That’s the thing with New Zealand rugby — it’s not too often you can sit back and think your spot is there because there’s people nipping at your heels every week.
“Whoever plays you are supportive of but it’s good to keep yourself on edge with the calibre of players here.”
Positionally, McKenzie has bounced between first-five and fullback throughout his career but in the modern game that demands dual playmakers pop in and out of first-receiver and share the directional load, he’s content starting at the back and moving forward for the final quarter.
“I’m really enjoying playing 15 and getting that last 20 minutes at 10. I’ve been enjoying that role and hopefully continue to do that when needed. I’ve got some great guys around me which makes my job a lot easier. When I get to 10 I’m trying to play with a free spirit and add my bit where I can.
“Later in the game everyone is a bit more fatigued and holes that might not have been there at the start of the game open up a more. It’s fun getting into first receiver and being a playmaker I enjoy being able to do that later on.
“A lot of teams have similar skill sets with their 10s and 15s so being able to play first receiver when you’re needed is important. I’ve played a little bit of 10 so that helps out.”
For the Chiefs to overcome the Blues they’ll need McKenzie’s resurgence to continue.
“It has been well over a year since we got a win so we’re bloody stoked about it. There’s a good vibe, good energy around the team this week — it has been a while since there have been smiles coming off the pitch.
“The Blues are a great side. There was plenty of hype around that game against the Crusaders last week and we’re back at home. It’s always a big battle between us.
“We’re excited about the challenge. We know how much of a threat they are all over the park — big forward pack, dangerous backs.”