Dave Rennie, the head coach of the All Blacks, recently provided updates on the status of Damian McKenzie after the player suffered an ankle injury during their overwhelming 54-0 win against the Sharks. McKenzie was forced to exit the game early, notably in the 33rd-minute, after an awkward fall during a high ball catch in Durban.
Despite the worrying signs of McKenzie hobbling off the field, Rennie reassured that the decision to remove him was merely cautionary. He shared with the media:
"He just twisted his ankle when he came down on that high ball in the first minute. He was running around. We had it strapped, but it was just a little bit ginger. So we decided just to play it safe. So he’s not too bad. We’d expect him to be fine for the first test."
With a crucial test against the Springboks a mere week and a half away, and a final warm-up against the Bulls before that, it is likely McKenzie will be given rest to ensure his ankle fully recovers in time.
Shifting focus, the All Blacks camp also has another significant concern with Billy Proctor’s unexpected exit from the tour. Proctor, who was poised to be a key player in the upcoming four-match Test series against South Africa, has returned home following a shoulder injury sustained in a recent 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
New Zealand Rugby issued a statement detailing Proctor’s condition:
"Scans have revealed Billy Proctor has a shoulder blade fracture. This will not require surgery but will take approximately 10 to 12 weeks of recovery, meaning Billy has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour."
As the All Blacks consider options for Proctor's replacement, Rennie mentioned weighing the potential inclusion of either seasoned fly-half Richie Mo’unga or the versatile Du’Plessis Kirifi. The decision hinges heavily on further assessments post their next match. Rennie hinted:
"We’ve decided we wouldn’t make a decision on Billy's replacement till after tonight’s game, mainly because we’ll see what comes through here, and if we got a couple other injuries, that might decide which direction."
An official announcement regarding Proctor’s replacement is anticipated in the days to come, as the team prepares for the high-stakes encounters ahead.
In the backdrop of these developments, the All Blacks' recent performance against the Sharks has set some positive precedents, with players like Ma’a Nonu displaying significant aggression and Jordie Barrett delivering a performance that might be remembered as a masterclass in rugby.
As the All Blacks recalibrate and address their injury concerns, the focus remains tightly on their preparation strategies for the looming confrontations with the Springboks, promising a series filled with the intensity befitting rugby’s greatest rivalry.
