Former All Blacks playmaker Carlos Spencer has dismissed the idea of Damian McKenzie as a starting flyhalf for New Zealand, suggesting that the 29-year-old is better suited to fullback.
With the All Blacks set to face the Wallabies in Wellington on Saturday, Beauden Barrett has been handed the No 10 jersey for the first time since 2022 under Scott Robertson.
Spencer, who made 35 test appearances for New Zealand and is known for his own attacking flair, believes McKenzie should remain in the backline, but not as a flyhalf.
“I almost feel a little bit sorry for him to be honest,” Spencer said in an interview with Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine.
“It’s been a tough little road for him, obviously on the back of a team that probably hasn’t performed to its potential and unfortunately it’s usually the No. 10 that takes most of the stick.”
“I’ve always considered Damian as a better fullback than a No 10.
I think he’s great at Super level, but when it comes to test matches I just don’t think he’s got what it takes to be a really assertive No. 10 unfortunately.
“I like Damian McKenzie, I think he’s a great player but I just find that he’s better suited at fullback than 10.”
Spencer explained that McKenzie’s strengths are maximised at fullback, where he has more time and space to make decisions and join the attack.
“He’s got more time to make decisions, there’s a bit more space, he enters the line well. I think he can see more from at the back. That doesn’t stop him from jumping into first receiver occasionally from fullback, but I think those are the biggest points,” Spencer added.
“I think he just lacks that direction at test match level where it’s really important.”
Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
