Damian Mckenzie
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<p>he certainly plays bigger than the 81kg he is listed as, plus hes only 20, that gives him another couple of years to 'become a man' and get a bit more size without losing the pace</p>
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<p>Certainly has some silky skills. His size is not a positive to me. I would not make room for him as I would leave Ben Smith at FB and DMac is not a winger. Cruden has managed to play despite his size although he has had his share of injuries. Players are getting bigger, stronger and faster. Football nous and speed competing against size and power.</p>
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If Cruds can dominate at that level then so can McKenzie.
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<p>The phrase "playing above your weight" is appropriate for McKenzie, but there is only one way to find out. There are plenty of examples of players who have had the physical attributes to succeed for the ABs and didn't. I know which type of player I'd prefer!</p>
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<p>I'm sure he'll get a run in the June tests somewhere.</p>
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<p>Skill trumps size in several positions (why does everything I say sound so damned dirty) and first five is one of them.</p>
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<p>If Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith rate him, Shag has him on the radar, he's got a hefty strike rate with the boot and doesn't shirk from tackles or a sprint, then that is good enough for me.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bones" data-cid="567640" data-time="1459067177"><p>
So why couldn't he play wing? Seems a great replacement for NMS to me.</p></blockquote>If Colin Slade is good enough to be an All Black winger, then sure as shit D Mac is too! -
<p>Or does he play fullback and smith slots onto the wing?</p>
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<p>i know smith is the number 1FB , but he is probably the number 1 right wing as well with NMS out </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="567642" data-time="1459067557">
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<p>I swear, if Danger Mouse doesn't become an all black this year, Kirwan will eat his hat!</p>
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<p>Where is Kirwan these days?</p> -
<p>Good to see lots of manlove for DMac.</p>
<p>I agree with everything said above - What I like particularly about DMac is the positive <strong>energy he brings, and the creativity to try something new. Intuition and work ethic; you can't coach. It is infectious however, and the team as a whole benefits. </strong>The ability to make something out of nothing cannot be underestimated. </p>
<p>I would be interested to see him given a stint in the 10 shirt, to see how he can shape a game, especially when the team is under pressure.</p> -
<p>He wasn't to flash at 10 last year, but his decision making seems a lot more consistent this year so might be ready for another shot. I think he needs to be considered a fullback only, from an All Blacks point of view, until he shows better first five form at Super Level.</p>
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<p>He's got great defense, too. And wow, that pace to run down that Force break.</p> -
Yes playing fullback in super rugby is different to test rugby,<br><br>I can remember a young Nick Evans playing Fullback against England I think it was , and his super rugby instinct of running it back from everywhere brought him unstuck a bit.
