Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs to rest Damian McKenzie from Crusaders clash

Chiefs star first-five Damian McKenzie will be rested from the Chiefs’ Good Friday Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders.

In an eyebrow-raising move, which will no doubt have the beleaguered 0-5 Crusaders breathing one big sigh of relief, Clayton McMillan has opted to hand his highly-influential playmaker his first All Blacks rest week and sit him out of the round-six clash in Christchurch, though the coach claims it has nothing to do with the struggles of the red and blacks.

All Blacks are required to skip at least two games during the Super season (though in a change from last year, are now allowed to play more than five in a row), while players on All Blacks rest weeks are only meant to be in their team environments on their own accord.

McKenzie was present, but not taking part, in Chiefs training in Hamilton yesterday, and did not look injured, fuelling speculation about his involvement, or otherwise, this weekend.

Clayton McMillan says they had always planned on McKenzie getting through the first four or five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols.

The Chiefs’ depth at first-five this year is not what it previously was, with Bryn Gatland having departed for Japan at the end of last season, Rivez Reihana having shifted to the Crusaders and the returning Kaleb Trask out with a long-term injury issue.

It leaves McMillan with the option of running Ioane at No 10, or plumping for rookie Josh Jacomb.

The Crusaders play the Chiefs at 6.05pm Friday.

Source: Stuff.co