McKenzie ready for dual role

Fielding high kicks is likely to be Damian McKenzie initial role in Buenos Aires tomorrow.

Rugby players and coaches have memories like elephants and Argentina’s won’t have forgotten how the All Blacks’ fullback shelled a couple of up-and-unders the last time these teams met.

Back then, at New Plymouth’s Yarrow Stadium, former fullbacks Israel Dagg and Nehe MilnerSkudder joined McKenzie in New Zealand’s back-three. Tomorrow it’ll be Waisake Naholo and Rikeo Ioane - neither of whom are noted for prowess at 15 - on the wings, meaning the Pumas have even more cause to hoist a few skyward.

Assuming McKenzie can defuse the bulk of what comes his way, his next trick will be to finish the match at first five-eighth. With the All Blacks anxious to give debutant David Havili a second-half run at fullback, there’s very indication McKenzie will assume Beauden Barrett’s duties at 10.

‘‘I haven’t played a lot of rugby there this year so it’s exciting and another new challenge,’’ said McKenzie. ‘‘If I do get the opportunity to maybe fill in there later, it’s a bit different than 15. It’s about controlling the team and leading the team around the park.’’

With Ben Smith on sabbatical and Israel Dagg injured, McKenzie - who’s only a year into his All Blacks’ career - has been chairing the team’s outside backs meetings in Buenos Aires this week. They’re good little get-togethers, apparently, with a bit of banter flying McKenzie’s way about whether the outside or inside backs have the best chats.

Naholo, who was sat next to McKenzie at yesterday’s media session, was definitely of that view and encouraged the 22-year-old fullback to agree.

‘‘Outside backs is probably a touch better. No, we sit down and have a yak for probably about 20 minutes and it’s pretty good, eh, Wise? I haven’t attended an insides one yet, so I’ve got my first one this arvo,’’ said McKenzie.