The All Blacks are staring down the barrel of a scrum-half shortage, and legendary former player Jeff Wilson suggests a daring solution: deploy fly-half Damian McKenzie as emergency cover. As the Rugby Championship looms, head coach Scott Robertson finds his squad depleted, with top choices Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham sidelined by injuries. This predicament has thrust Cortez Ratima into a likely starter role against Argentina, while Finlay Christie and Kyle Preston beef up the bench as injury reinforcements.
Wilson, known for his sharp insights, floated the idea on The Breakdown, pointing out that McKenzie's versatility could be a strategic asset.
"I wouldn’t be surprised, and they’ve done this at a Rugby World Cup, if they use Damian McKenzie to cover half-back as an option,"
he explained. The logic? If McKenzie travels as the third scrum-half for a two-match tour, starting Ratima with Christie as backup could suffice, leaving McKenzie as a capable last resort.The suggestion isn't without precedent. The Springboks previously employed winger Cheslin Kolbe in a similar role during crucial games, demonstrating that out-of-the-box thinking can pay dividends on the international stage. Wilson’s proposal, if adopted, would echo such innovative tactics.
Yet, the scrum-half conundrum isn't the only thing on Wilson's mind. With the return of Wallace Sititi, Tamaiti Williams, and Peter Lakai from injuries, there’s concern about their match fitness, especially with a formidable matchup against the Springboks on the horizon.
"For me, it’s how ready is a Wallace Sititi going to be? Some of these guys who get on the plane but don’t play the first Test, maybe play a bit of the second, are they going to be ready for South Africa at Eden Park?"
Wilson pondered.This blend of strategic gambles and fitness gambits will test Robertson’s mettle as a coach and could define the All Blacks' campaign in the fiercely competitive Rugby Championship. Whether these decisions will fortify New Zealand’s rugby legacy or falter under the pressure remains a riveting subplot to watch.