Super Rugby team of the week: Damian McKenzie eclipses Ruben Love but All Blacks’ answer at No 10 remains elusive
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
ANALYSIS: Chiefs No 10 Damian McKenzie almost cost his side the game against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
His decision to run the ball out from his own 22m after the buzzer had gone was all risk and no reward.
When Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor tackled McKenzie and replacement Jona Rova got onto to the ball it looked like a matchwinning penalty for the visitors was inevitable - and on a different night it would have been awarded.
But in the overall context of the match, McKenzie was more influential than opposite Ruben Love and more of an attacking threat.
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That’s the McKenzie dilemma for new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, and it’s the same issue that Scott Robertson and Ian Foster could never quite solve. What do you do with a player like that?
McKenzie earns his place in The Post’s team of the week, but in doing so makes the All Blacks’ decision at No 10 no more obvious.
15 Liam Coombes-Fabling (Chiefs): Some brilliant aerial work from the Chiefs fullback on a windy night.
14 Leroy Carter (Chiefs): Showed his speed and skill to outpace Cameron Roigard and set up Daniel Sinkinson’s try in arguably the game’s most crucial play.
13 Tanielu Tele’a (Highlanders): Hard-running midfielder scored two tries against the Blues and was a handful on attack.
12 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes): His midfield duel with Quinn Tupaea was compelling. The pair traded blows without ever landing the knockout punch.
11 Macca Springer (Crusaders): Ran for well over 100 metres and set up a try in a strong return to rugby in an otherwise disappointing Crusaders performance.
10 Damian McKenzie (Chiefs): Fearlessly took on the line against the Hurricanes and beat nine defenders.
9 Adam Lennox (Highlanders): Twice showed Beauden Barrett a clean pair of heel as he took his chance in the No 9 jersey.
8 Peter Lakai (Hurricanes): In many ways the loose forwards cancelled each other out in Hamilton but Lakai’s sheer work rate was impressive.
7 Dalton Papali’i (Blues): The Blues are going to miss their big No 7. Impressive at Eden Park on his first game back since round 6.
6 Anton Segner (Blues): A major factor in the Blues’ win against the Highlanders and the home side almost collapsed when Segner and Dalton Papali’i were replaced with about 15 minutes left.
5 Sam Darry (Blues): The Blues were monstered at the scrum but had the advantage at lineout time and with their carries close to the ruck.
4 Josh Lord (Chiefs): One big run from the lock showed his athleticism as he finally gets a run of games free of injury.
3 Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes): The Hurricanes scrum enjoyed the edge and Tosi had some good carries in a 51-minute shift.
2 Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes): Both lineouts were put under pressure but Aumua delivered a bit of statement performance by around the field.
1 Ethan de Groot (Highlanders): Xavier Numia was excellent for the Hurricanes but de Groot’s scrummaging work against the Blues was next level.