NZ need to find some boring players who can deliver in tight test matches… McKenzie isn’t one
NZ need to find some boring players who can deliver in tight test matches… McKenzie isn’t one
Play Beauden at 10 - it’s a no brainer - McKenzie off the bench
Jordan at 15
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When rugby legends speak, the world listens, especially if the legend is Dan Carter. The New Zealand icon recently weighed in on the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season and offered some candid insights into Damian McKenzie's future in the All Blacks squad. With the season around the corner, Carter's comments have stirred up a storm, highlighting the intense scrutiny and high stakes involved.
Dan Carter, whose word in rugby circles is akin to a royal decree, didn't mince his words about Damian McKenzie, the electric utility back whose recent performances have been as fluctuating as the stock market. “Damian's got all the talent in the world but sometimes, you just need to hit the pause button and reassess,” Carter opined. This comes at a time when McKenzie's inclusion in the All Blacks has been hotly debated across New Zealand's rugby forums.
"Damian's got all the talent in the world but sometimes, you just need to hit the pause button and reassess."
According to Carter, it’s not just about having the skills but also about applying them consistently. “You can have all the tricks in your bag but if you can't pull them out at the right moment, they're as good as useless,” he added, hinting that McKenzie might need to spend some time honing his decision-making skills to regain his spot as a regular.
Switching gears to the broader landscape of Super Rugby Pacific, Carter expressed his excitement about the new season. He believes that the inclusion of Fijian and Moana Pasifika teams could bring a fresh dynamism to the tournament. “It’s an exciting time for rugby in the Pacific region. The inclusion of these teams not only elevates the competition but also brings in new styles and challenges,” Carter noted.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to these changes and whether McKenzie can tweak his game under the immense pressure. With rugby royalty like Dan Carter keeping a keen eye, the stakes are undoubtedly higher than ever.