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How to tune into Sport NationDamian McKenzie: The lessons we learned at Twickenham
Sport Nation • November 21st, 2025 11:36 am
Damian McKenzie | Photo: Photosport
It's been a week of soul-searching for the All Blacks as they head into their Northern Tour finale against Wales.
According to first-five Damian McKenzie, the team weren't shy in confronting the Twickenham capitulation against England and the myriad of confronting home truths regarding where they came up short.
As the playmaker notes, some of those decisive areas have been season-long trends.
"In a few Test matches this year and on the tour, our discipline's let us down at times and kept them back in the game," McKenzie told Sport Nation Mornings from Cardiff.
"We probably haven't been too clear around our third quarter in just controlling the game, losing a bit of momentum and not being able to grab it back. I guess you look back on just nailing the basic stuff throughout your game and that's areas on our defence, areas on our attack, making sure we make improvements on them.
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"You struggle to win Test matches when you give away penalties or we don't have fifteen men on the park, so it's a big area of improvement which we need to work on."
That said, last weekend's results has left the team with extra motivation to try to both wash away the bitter taste of defeat and ensure they head into the summer on a positive note after a turbulent 2025 Test season.
"We were extremely disappointed but you can't dwell on it for too long," McKenzie explained.
"You've got to move on and put your focus towards the next game and what's in front of us, and obviously that's Wales this weekend.
"We're really excited to get back on the horse and put in a performance this weekend we can be proud of."
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McKenzie is part of an overhaul of the matchday squad by coach Scott Robertson, returning to the No. 10 jersey alongside his Chiefs cohort Cortez Ratima, a combination he's itching to reignite.
Ratima has come under fire for some subpar performances of late backing up first-choice halfback Cam Roigard, but McKenzie has complete faith in his No. 9 this weekend - and beyond.
"He's a great young kid and you won't see a guy who works harder throughout a training week.
"He's always willing to learn and he's got a massive future here. He's already showed how well he can play at Test level.
"He's got a great crisp pass. His running game, when he gets his opportunities and his back up, are really effective.
"For how young he is and how little time he's had at Test level, his leadership and calmness on the field is great."
Listen to the full interview below:
