All Blacks star makes bold ‘best player’ claim about Damian McKenzie as Chiefs fly-half sends another message to Scott Robertson
Playmaker Damian McKenzie in action for the All Blacks and the Chiefs.
Anton Lienert-Brown has praised the talents of club and international team-mate Damian McKenzie, who continues to set the standard in Super Rugby Pacific.
The 30-year-old has once again been one of the leading lights in the competition, helping his side to top the standings after 12 games.
McKenzie was certainly in fine form on Saturday in another statement display as the Chiefs came from 19-3 down to overcome the Crusaders 35-19 in Christchurch, opening up a four-point buffer between those two teams on the table.
That result was achieved despite the absence of Anton Lienert-Brown, who is currently nursing a broken collarbone.
ALB’s bold claim about McKenzie
“In terms of his rugby level, probably for the last whatever how long, he’s been one of the best players if not the best player in Super Rugby,” the All Blacks centre told Sport Nation’s Izzy and Millsy show.
“You look at him statistically and his influence on attack is obvious. What you don’t see is the work he does in the bunkers on defence, and the amount of ground he covers, so he is a massive influence on our defensive system as well, just through work rate and his voice.
“On both sides of the ball, he’s massive for us. When DMac’s out there he has presence and he has the ability to change the game.
“In a sense you can’t replace him, he’s just that influential.”
McKenzie has consistently shone at Super Rugby level over the past few years, but he found it difficult to translate that form onto the Test arena in 2024.
The fly-half, who can also feature at full-back, endured a mixed campaign in the 10 shirt during Scott Robertson’s first year in charge.
However, the playmaker showed that he control the game at international level in the All Blacks’ victory over Ireland last November and since then he has impressed for the Chiefs in 2025.
Form of Daniel Rona
Interestingly, Lienert-Brown’s appearances this season have not coincided with McKenzie starting at pivot, with Daniel Rona often deputising at 13 when the New Zealand centre has been absent.
Rona has proved to be a more than able replacement despite not receiving the accolades his performances have perhaps deserved.
“He’s (Rona) special. I’ve had the privilege of seeing him from when he came into this environment and build to become the player he is now,” Lienert-Brown added.
“Whatever position he plays, he plays it very well. Last week [against the Hurricanes], he was the best player on the field for us and really delivered on the big stage.
“He certainly doesn’t get the raps he deserves but I’ve got so much respect for him and what he brings to our team.”
