Carlos Spencer’s verdict on All Blacks fly-half shirt and Damian McKenzie’s ‘lack of direction’
All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie and former number 10 Carlos Spencer.
The great entertainer Carlos Spencer has given his verdict on whether Damian McKenzie should be the long-term All Blacks fly-half.
McKenzie was given the reins by head coach Scott Robertson at the start of the 2024 season and he started eight matches in a row in the 10 jersey.
However, his performances have been mixed and he was dropped to the bench for New Zealand’s second Bledisloe Cup tie against the Wallabies.
Spencer is ultimately not convinced that McKenzie is the right person to take the fly-half role going forward and believes that it his not his best position.
‘Feel sorry for him’
“I almost feel a little bit sorry for him to be honest. 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 number 10 that takes most of the stick,” he told Newstalk ZB.
“I’ve always considered Damian as a better full-back than a number 10.”
McKenzie has arguably been the best fly-half in Super Rugby Pacific over the past couple of years, including when Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett were both featuring for the Crusaders and Blues respectively in 2023.
The challenge is taking that form to the highest level, though, which is something Spencer doesn’t believe the Chiefs star can do.
“Personally, no, I don’t think he is. 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 number 10 unfortunately,” he said.
“I like Damian McKenzie, I think he’s a great player but I just find that he’s better suited at full-back than 10.”
Returning to full-back
McKenzie played the majority of his early career at full-back but focused on fly-half at club level from around 2022.
He went to the Rugby World Cup as a utility option, able to switch between the two very comfortably, and was effective in that role off the bench.
Following the departure of Mo’unga, McKenzie shifted into the All Blacks number 10 jersey full-time, but there are still concerns over whether he is best option long-term.
It is why Spencer feels that he should focus on trying for the full-back shirt going forward.
“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,” he added.
“That doesn’t stop him from jumping into first receiver occasionally from full-back, but I think those are the biggest points. I think he just lacks that direction at Test match level where it’s really important.”
READ MORE: All Blacks: Scott Robertson explains why Beauden Barrett starts at 10 ahead of Damian McKenzie
