Crusaders wary of McKenzie
Damian McKenzie’s ears might start burning in Hamilton this week.
Given McKenzie is tipped to start at first five-eighth for the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday night, you can guess what opposition player the Crusaders will be discussing most when they discuss ways to pull apart the visitors at AMI Stadium.
With the All Blacks selectors requesting McKenzie get more time at No 10 in Super Rugby, in the belief that a switch from fullback will enable him to involved more and therefore use his snappy footwork and acceleration to bemuse tacklers more often, the 12-test All Black has been given a golden chance to flesh-out his skillset.
It’s a new era, of sorts, for the Chiefs with Colin Cooper having replaced Dave Rennie as head coach and former Crusaders assistant Tabai Matson also joining the Hamilton-based club as a defence mentor.
With Aaron Cruden now living in France, McKenzie’s transition to first-five has come as no great surprise but the question is whether his change in job description will prevent him from making a mockery of defensive lines – something so common when he made scything runs when the ball was kicked down his throat at fullback.
Yet Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar expects little to change.
‘‘I think they will still manage to get him into the back field, it often happens with 10s these days and they will receive some kicks I am sure,’’ Mooar said.
‘‘One thing with Damian being at 10 would provide is more touches on the ball, and if one of your best players is getting more touches then it makes it a hell of a lot more dangerous for us.’’
If Cooper orders McKenzie to drop back to fullback on defensive set plays it puts more pressure on the Crusaders playmaker Richie Mo’unga to kick away from the 22 year old and ensure his wings are applying immense pressure with their chases.
The imminent departure of Lima Sopoaga, who will join English club Wasps after Super Rugby, means the All Blacks are likely to tap-up either McKenzie or Mo’unga to deputise for their No 1 option Beauden Barrett in tests.
With all their fit All Blacks expected to be available for selection ahead of the team being named on Thursday, the Crusaders have the potential to unleash a side heaving with internationals.
Mooar said they weren’t alarmed by the 42-26 loss to the Highlanders in Waimumu last Thursday; having offered 29 players the chance to trade places during the 80 minute trial, the Crusaders at least gave their All Blacks the chance to get their first run of the year.
Up to five All Blacks could be named to start in the forward pack, with six in the backline.
Cooper may elect to pair halfback Brad Weber, who was knocked out of Super Rugby last year after breaking his leg in the Brisbane Tens, with McKenzie in the inside backs and their contestable kicks could result in Crusaders fullback David Havili having a dart out of the blocks.
The squad had an intense training in humid conditions at Rugby Park on Monday, having launched a drone earlier in the session to film some plays as they try to guess what strategies ex-Taranaki coach Cooper will unleash.
‘‘What he (Cooper) will bring is a real calm demeanor and presence, a calm confidence and huge experience,’’ Mooar said.