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McKenzie boost as All Blacks prepare for Springboks acid test
Stephen Foote • August 19th, 2026 9:06 am
Damian McKenzie | Photo: Photosport
Signs are encouraging for the availability of Damian McKenzie for the All Blacks' first Test against the Springboks on Sunday (NZ time).
The mercurial Chiefs playmaker was forced from the field early during the All Blacks' one-sided win over the Sharks last week after twisting his ankle while attempting to coral a high ball.
Consequently, McKenzie sat out the 50-19 win against the Bulls on Sunday, with coach Dave Rennie conceding they were "sweating" over his status for the opening international at Ellis Park.
But speaking to media overnight Wednesday (NZ time), Rennie's assistant Tana Umaga went some way to allaying those fears with a promising update on McKenzie's status.
"He was sharp today. He got through what he needed to get through, so he's trending well for being available for this weekend," Umaga said.
"That's all we can ask. Our medical staff have done a really good job - as well as our S&C (strength & conditioning) to make sure that they're taking every precaution they can, but making sure that he puts his best foot forward to be available for the team."
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With Will Jordan also tracking well in his injury return - Rennie confirming he'd been a full participant in training this week - it seems McKenzie will slot in at fullback alongside the All Blacks' leading tryscorer and Josh Moorby.
Linchpin halfback Cam Roigard has recovered from his calf complaint, meaning Rennie will likely have his full complement of backs available for selection ahead of the official team announcement on Thursday evening.
Having conceded just 40 points through three matches on the tour so far, Umaga admitted he was cautiously satisfied with the way his defence had been operating, albeit with some areas he believes haven't been up to the standard set during their Nations Championship openers last month.
With the world champion Springboks a vastly different proposition than a trio of undermanned and underdone United Rugby Championship sides, he admits the bar will need to raise several notches in the unforgiving climes of Ellis Park.
"We're happy with where we are but we're not content," he said.
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"I think that's probably the feeling from us. We feel like we can keep improving and we know we will need to this weekend, so we're not resting on our laurels around that.
"We've made some improvements and to be honest, we've seen a couple of areas that haven't been going so well as they were in the Nations Cup. But we've got a bit of time before we get to this weekend's game to rectify those."
Umaga noted some distinct differences with the questions set to be posed by his defence by the Boks than those presented by the likes of Ireland and France.
"Obviously, the size of their pack and their relentless wave of a big bend coming at you, I think that's going to be tough for us.
"They've added some really soft touches to their games with the skill set that they have within the backs. Once you concentrate on what's coming to you up front, they look for space out wide and they look for space in behind. You focus on one thing, you'll take your eyes off another and their ability to interchange between it, that's rugby.
"We have to make sure that we're focusing on what's important at this minute, and then making sure we're looking in the secondary around how we can alleviate some of that pressure."
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