Chiefs coach discusses his decision to rest Damian McKenzie for the Crusaders showdown.
Damian McKenzie, an All Blacks playmaker, will miss the Chiefs’ match against the desperate Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night, according to coach Clayton McMillan.
McKenzie, who is largely regarded as the front-runner to wear the All Blacks’ No. 10 jersey under Scott Robertson, sustained an injury during the Chiefs’ round one victory against the Crusaders.
While the star fly-half appeared to have healed from his rib injury during the Chiefs’ 4-1 start to the season, another injury and rest measures will force McKenzie to miss the round six derby.
With recuperation guidelines mandating the All Blacks to miss at least two matches this season, coach Mcmillan has
McKenzie will not play against the Crusaders on Good Friday, according to coach McMillan.
The Crusaders may lie at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific bracket after five losses in as many starts, but McMillan said the decision was unrelated to their record.
“We had always planned on Damian getting through the first four of five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols,” McMillan said in a statement.
“It has nothing to do with the Crusaders and how they are doing right now; it didn’t even come into our consideration; it had to be last week or this week.
“He had a niggly knee…” It’s nothing major; it’s simply something that has been a bit
We considered sitting him (against the Highlanders) because to a niggle at the start of last week, but he recovered well.
“But it’s just a timely reminder, instead of pushing it another week to a point where something minor could turn into something serious.” “If Damian had been 100% fit, it might have been an easier decision, but he’s not, so we won’t put him at risk.”
The Chiefs will try to stay within striking distance of the high-flying Hurricanes, who are the only unbeaten team in the tournament with a perfect record of five victories.
With the Chiefs only four competition points behind, a bonus point win in Christchurch, and a devastating defeat for the
