McKenzie ranks All Blacks’ win over Boks among career bests
REACTION: All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie regards his side’s victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park as one of the most memorable moments of his international career.
New Zealand stunned the Boks 33-16 in the opening Test of the Greatest Rivalry series to take a 1-0 lead heading into the second Test in Cape Town next week.
The outing was McKenzie’s first full match on tour since hurting his ankle against the Sharks in one of the warm-up matches.
He was not selected for the Bulls game in Pretoria a week ago, and there were concerns about whether the Chiefs playmaker would be available for the first Test.
The 31-year-old made a remarkable recovery to strengthen Dave Rennie’s matchday 23 and play a key role in the memorable Ellis Park triumph.
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McKenzie said he felt 100% out there, and coming away with the win made it even more satisfying.
“I’ve got to commend the medical staff for getting me back out on the field,” he told Rugby365.
“They did a great job; I felt really good out there. As I said, we played here two years ago and lost; it’s a tough place to come and play.
“So, to be able to come and win our first Test here is extremely pleasing.”
McKenzie, affectionately known as D-Mac in rugby circles, racked up his 78th cap for the All Blacks on the evening.
It was his 11th time facing the Springboks, with his first appearance against South Africa coming all the way back in September 2017, when the All Blacks thumped the Boks 57-0 in Albany.
He’s had his fair share of victories against the Boks, apart from that win, but Saturday’s triumph was extra special.
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“It’s right up there for sure,” he said when asked where the victory ranks.
“The last time the All Blacks toured here was in 1996; to be able to get this opportunity to come to South Africa and play the world’s best is great, and to come out with the win is special.
“It’s definitely one of the hardest arenas to win in; it was satisfying and so awesome to get that win.”
The consensus in the All Blacks camp is that they expect the Boks to come out firing in Cape Town.
Rassie Erasmus has already labelled his side as “underdogs” heading into the second Test after admitting that they “got a hiding” at Ellis Park.
While the All Blacks were overjoyed with the win, McKenzie said they won’t be looking too far ahead and are wary of a wounded Bok side.
“We know it’s just the start; three other Tests are coming up which are going to be tough.
“South Africa are too good of a side not to bounce back; they are the world’s best for a reason. We can take a lot of confidence from it, but we still know we’ve got a lot still left in the tank.
“To give ourselves a 1-0 lead in the series is great, but we know we have a lot to improve on and have another test coming up in Cape Town next week and a game on Tuesday against the Lions.
“We’ve just got to keep our feet firmly on the ground, right in front of us where they stand. It’s sort of one week at a time for us; we’ll do everything possible this week to set us up for Saturday.”
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