The decision to reunite Damian McKenzie with the All Blacks' No 10 jersey for the test against Japan in Yokohama could either set fire to his tour of the northern hemisphere or extinguish his hopes of ending the year as New Zealand’s premier first five-eighth.
McKenzie, a mercurial wizard who has the ability to embarrass flat-footed defenders with his pace and vision, can also make All Blacks supporters snort into their tea cups with frustration when he throws wayward passes or kicks aimlessly down the middle of the park.
Damian McKenzie has been named to start at first five-eighth against Japan in Yokohama.
With Barrett not required to be in the match-day 23, McKenzie must grasp this opportunity to prove to the All Blacks coaches, and his critics, he deserves to be persevered with for the much tougher assignment against England in London next weekend.
McKenzie was the form No 10 during Super Rugby, guiding the Chiefs into the final against the Blues in Auckland, but the transition to the test arena has been bumpy; the blitz defences employed by the likes of England and the Springboks have made life difficult not just for him, but all of the backline.
When he last wore the No 10 jersey, against the Wallabies in Sydney on September 21, McKenzie made several excellent line breaks but didn't execute convincingly at the crucial moments.
The All Blacks have named a team that is wired to play fast, and they hope, with intent, as they know Jones will want Japan to do the same to them.
The All Blacks have researched the way Japan pushed them hard in the test in Tokyo in 2022; although the visitors prevailed to win 38-31, they faded late in the game.
The All Blacks play Japan at 5.50pm tomorrow in Yokohama.
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