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Scott Robertson's verdict on the Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett combination
By
Ben Smith
Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie has started all three Tests as the All Blacks first five under new head coach Scott Robertson.
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He’s played two with Stephen Perofeta starting at fullback, and one with veteran Beauden Barrett.
Despite worries over the All Black first five position following Richie Mo’unga’s departure, McKenzie has been one of the All Blacks form players over the first month.
Roberston told media that he’s started to “own the jersey” after another starring performance against Fiji in San Diego.
“D-Mac’s done good, he’s starting to own the No 10 jersey, own the team, ask and demand of others more. I thought he kicked extremely well, six out of seven conversions.
“Out of hand… obviously, there are parts of game, it’s making sure he can grow, as we all can.
“But look, he’s started to own that jersey, and that’s what we’ve asked of him.”
The All Blacks came alive in the final quarter of the second Test against England with Beauden Barrett subbing in at fullback.
After that combination helped New Zealand rally for the win, Robertson picked the pair to start against Fiji.
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Barrett chimed in with two try assists while McKenzie also had involvement as the All Blacks ran away with a 47-5 win.
Robertson praised the combination as “exceptional” and was impressed with the way they go about breaking down a defence.
“Yeah, exceptional. The combination, how they see the game, how they see the kick space and the opportunity out wide,” he said.
“We’re a little bit more square in our attack, and with Beauden out the back, just giving that voice, that combination worked well.”
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Yes and that was when Will Jordan was unavailable for selection.
But Jordan is available for selection and he will start at fullback with Beauden Barrett on the bench coming in to the test in the last 20-30 minutes .
Barrett is 33. He will be 36 by 2027 and each year his pace fades a little and will very likely not be selected for the 2027 RWC squad.
Jordan is entering his prime at 26.