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Damian McKenzie faces increased pressure as emerging talents Ruben Love and Josh Jacomb make waves in New Zealand rugby. This competition could significantly impact McKenzie’s role in the All Blacks.
Former New Zealand scrum-half Ant Strachan highlights that Love and Jacomb's performances in Super Rugby Pacific pose a potential dilemma for McKenzie as he aims for international selection. McKenzie and Beauden Barrett previously shared fly-half duties under former coach Scott Robertson, but with Dave Rennie now at the helm, the landscape has shifted.
Jacomb, 24, has impressed at the Chiefs, starting at fly-half while McKenzie was rested. He helped lead the Chiefs to a 57-24 victory over Moana Pasifika and played a key role in their subsequent win against the Western Force. Meanwhile, Ruben Love, also 24, has returned from injury to shine for the Hurricanes, recently delivering a standout performance in a 42-19 victory over the Blues.
Strachan believes Love benefits from playing alongside top scrum-half Cameron Roigard, allowing him to thrive in pressure situations. With both rookies showing promise, McKenzie’s position within the All Blacks could be at a crossroads as the competition intensifies.
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