Rugby-Big boost for ailing Crusaders as Chiefs rest McKenzie

(Reuters) – The Canterbury Crusaders, who have yet to secure a win this season, have been given a significant boost as Waikato Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has decided to rest All Black Damian McKenzie for their upcoming Super Rugby Pacific clash. The Crusaders, reigning Super Rugby champions for the past seven years, are hoping to break their five-game losing streak when they face the Chiefs, who are currently in second place, in Christchurch on Friday. McKenzie, who has been excelling as a flyhalf for the Chiefs in the first five rounds of the competition, is required to rest along with all other All Blacks players for two matches during the regular season.

“We had always planned on Damian getting through the first four or five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols,” McMillan told Stuff media. He explained that McKenzie has been dealing with a minor knee issue, which although not serious, prompted the decision to rest him to avoid it potentially escalating into a more severe injury. McMillan emphasized that the choice to rest McKenzie was not solely due to his current fitness levels, but also to adhere to the mandatory rest period for All Blacks players.

Since both Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett are currently playing in Japan and therefore ineligible for test selection, McKenzie has a chance to establish himself as New Zealand’s primary flyhalf under new coach Scott Robertson this season. The 28-year-old, who has primarily played as a fullback in his 47 test appearances, has impressed in his new role as a pivot, leading the Super Rugby points-scoring standings with his dynamic performances.

McMillan clarified that the decision to rest McKenzie for this key match against the Crusaders was not influenced by the Crusaders’ recent struggles. He stated, “It’s certainly got nothing to do with the Crusaders and how they are tracking at the moment. That didn’t even factor into our thinking, it just either had to be last week or this week.” The focus remains on McKenzie’s well-being and ensuring he is prepared for the remainder of the season.

In McKenzie’s absence, the Chiefs will need to adjust their game plan and rely on other key players to step up against the formidable Crusaders. McMillan’s decision underscores the importance of managing player workload effectively in a competitive and physically demanding tournament like Super Rugby, where injuries can have a significant impact on a team’s performance.

The Crusaders, on the other hand, will be keen to capitalize on McKenzie’s absence and secure their first victory of the season to kickstart their campaign. With a history of dominance in the competition, the Crusaders will be looking to turn their fortunes around and display the championship-winning form that has defined their team in recent years.

Overall, the upcoming clash between the Crusaders and the rested Chiefs promises to be an intriguing battle of tactics and skill, with both teams aiming to secure a crucial win in the competition. The absence of McKenzie adds an element of unpredictability to the match, creating an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities and make an impact on the outcome of the game.

As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated showdown, fans can expect an exciting and fiercely contested encounter between two of the top teams in Super Rugby, with the Crusaders looking to end their losing streak and the Chiefs seeking to maintain their strong position in the standings. The stage is set for a compelling clash that is sure to captivate rugby enthusiasts and showcase the talent and competitive spirit of both teams.

(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)