5. Damian McKenzie starts with a shot clock at Eden Park – no Mo’unga return talks
A two in one to finish off our talking points, as Chiefs talisman Damian McKenzie will again start in the 10 jersey for the All Blacks. There was plenty of discussion around the fly half after the first test in Dunedin, after his infamous penalty attempt was timed out before McKenzie even kicked the ball. It has been confirmed by New Zealand Rugby that a shot clock will be present at Eden Park for the second Test, after the technology was absent from the first match at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Furthermore, Robertson was asked about an update on the status of Richie Mo’unga. It is understood that the fly half is interested in returning to the All Blacks fold, despite having signed a multi-year deal away in Japan.
Mo’unga was spotted in the crowd in Dunedin, and is enticed by the idea of linking back up with his former Crusaders coach in the black jersey. However, no such communication has been made between Robertson and his current fly halves McKenzie and Beauden Barrett, about Mo’unga’s possible comeback.
SCOTT ROBERTSON: I knew ‘D-Mac’ (Damian McKenzie) when he was at school at Christchurch, I knew him on a personal front. He’s an incredible pro who works tirelessly on his craft and wants to position in the team where he really drives it. There’s so much in his hands.
“He has got a good temperament. He has played a few games and has been around for a long period of time. He has had injuries and had to be resilient. You know what he is like on the field, he can take knocks and come up with big plays.”
“And shot clocks! Good on you Mark Robinson (New Zealand Rugby CEO), Working hard!”
“Never had a conversation with them (Beauden Barrett and McKenzie).” (Regarding Mo’unga’s possible return).