Mercurial All Black Damian McKenzie has recounted a training ground clash where he came off second best to Black Ferns fullback Selica Winiata, saying "I got a bloody nose."
McKenzie told the story during a promotional jaunt in Auckland today.
The 23-year-old explained how Winiata spent quite a bit of time last year training with the men, where she quickly gained a reputation for her ability to hit.
"She was in last year training with us quite a bit which was cool," McKenzie said.
"She got one up on me, she can hit actually, I ended up on the ground and she was still standing and I got a bloody nose."
The diminutive fullback bench presses 80kg, according to her teammate Chelsea Alley. (Source: Other)
McKenzie said it was great to be able to watch Winiata's improvement from afar.
"It's cool to see her growth in the women's rugby and how well she's been going I guess at similar positions at 15 - it's cool to be able to learn off each other," he said.
Winiata spoke to 1 NEWS about the hit on McKenzie, saying it happened during a non-contact drill.
“I said sorry to him but the boys gave him a bit for being knocked down by a chick,” she said.
“Obviously they’re a lot faster and stronger but it’s about learning off them.”
The Black Ferns star said his teammates "gave him a bit of stick" afterwards. (Source: Other)
McKenzie said having the Black Ferns as part of blockbuster Bledisloe Cup Tests last weekend in Sydney and then tomorrow night at Eden Park was a great spectacle for fans.
He encouraged supporters in Auckland to get to the stadium early to support the women.
Winiata was also outed by teammate Chelsea Alley during a question and answer as the strongest pound-for-pound in the Black Ferns.
"She weighs about 55kg and she benches like 80kg, it’s ridiculous," Alley said.
"She pushes as much if not more tin than some of our front rowers, she’s just a little powerhouse."
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