McKenzie has failed at flyhalf
SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper could move Damian McKenzie back to fullback for the Chiefs’ crunch clash against the Hurricanes on Friday.
The Chiefs have been woeful this season losing all four of their games so far and it is no secret that the No.10 position has been a problem for them.
Orbyn Leger started at No.10 in the first round 27-30 defeat to the Highlanders and after that, McKenzie took over the flyhalf duties for the next three games.
The Chiefs were hammered by the Brumbies (17-54) and Crusaders (28-57) and in between those two games they were embarrassed at home by the Sunwolves (15-30).
McKenzie’s game management was poor in those fixtures and it has become clear that he is struggling to deal with good defences in the No.10 position.
Cooper has a lot a lot to think about ahead of a tough game against the Hurricanes and moving McKenzie to his best position at No.15 is one of them.
“There’s always that thought, I’ve said before we’ll do what’s best for the team,” Cooper told stuff.co.nz.
“We know what he can bring [at fullback].”
If McKenzie does move to fullback, it will open the door for playmaker Jack Debreczeni to start at No.10.
Debreczeni was unavailable for the first three rounds because of an abdominal injury, but he did have a good cameo in the last 30 minutes against the Crusaders last weekend.
“He [Debreczeni] showed he’s got experience, he’s certainly professional, and he’s got a lot of leadership qualities at 10,” Cooper said. “So has Marty McKenzie, so has Beaver [Stephen Donald]. So, we’ve got some choices there, along with Damian.”
Source: stuff.co.nz
