Potent McKenzie targets glory finish at Sungoliath

DAMIAN McKenzie is thriving in Japan Rugby League One for Sungoliath and hopes to lead his side to the title ahead of next weekend’s play-offs.

McKenzie’s Sungoliath take on the Brave Lupus in Saturday’s semi-final followed by the Saitama Wild Knights hosting the Kubota Spears next Sunday.

The All Blacks full-back is loving his time in Japan and is the competition’s top points scorer with 191, shining with his usual flashy line breaks and impressive defence.

McKenzie, right, said: “I came over in December, and just loved it. Suntory’s a great club and the

Japanese people are so welcoming, so respectful, and I’m lucky to have some great foreign lads here as well.

“Our coaching staff, Milton (Haig)] and Jase (O’Halloran) are from New Zealand as well but even the Japanese staff and management are great people. I really enjoy the rugby and afternoon games are awesome. It’s been good fun so far.

“I’ve missed the lifestyle and friends and family back home, but Japan’s a place I’d love to come back to at some stage as it’s been awesome so far over here but there’s no place like home.”

McKenzie comes up against fellow All

Black Matt

Todd, who has impressed for the Brave Lupus since signing two years ago. Sungoliath topped Conference B after 13 wins from 15, while second place Brave Lupus finished eight points behind after picking up 11 wins in their campaign.

The Wild Knights topped Conference A with 59 points and possess experienced internationals like ex-England and Saracens second row George Kruis, Australia flanker Lachlan Boshier and Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes.

They host second place Kubota Spears, whose squad includes Springbok Malcolm Marx, Wallaby fly half Bernard Foley and former All Black centre Ryan Crotty.