All Blacks: Dave Rennie issues Damian McKenzie injury update and provides ‘which direction’ verdict on Billy Proctor’s replacement
All Blacks: Dave Rennie issues Damian McKenzie injury update and provides 'which direction' verdict on Billy Proctor's replacement
Dave Rennie has revealed the extent of Damian McKenzie’s injury after twisting his ankle in the All Blacks’ 0-54 victory over the Sharks on Tuesday evening.
The talented fullback was removed in just the 33rd minute of the game in Durban, leaving the Hollywoodbets Kings Park with obvious signs of discomfort. He had been visibly struggling after landing awkwardly in the opening exchanges, before being removed by concerned medical staff.
The All Blacks head coach told the press following the match that his early removal was, however, simply a precaution.
“He just twisted his ankle when he came down on that high ball in the first minute,” Rennie explained. “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.”
The All Blacks still have a week and a half until their first Test against the Springboks. In the meantime, they will face the Bulls in their final warm-up Test. McKenzie will likely be rested to give his ankle a full chance to recover.
Proctor’s replacement
Meanwhile, Rennie remains on the hunt for Billy Proctor’s replacement, after the 27-year-old was forced to return home after suffering a serious shoulder injury in Friday’s 38-21 win over the Stormers in Cape Town.
A statement, released on Sunday by New Zealand Rugby, revealed the extent of his injury, saying: “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.”
Proctor was expected to be a key member of the All Blacks squad heading into the four-match Test series with South Africa, but Rennie will now consider whether he will call up experienced fly-half Richie Mo’unga to the squad, or will he look to hybrid player Du’Plessis Kirifi.
“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 announcement is expected within the coming days.