All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has explained the decision to start Damian McKenzie at fullback for this weekend's clash with Australia in Tokyo, preferred over the likes of Ben Smith and Jordie Barrett.
After an extended spell as the All Blacks' first-choice fullback in 2017, McKenzie has played most of his rugby this year in the number 10 jersey.
However, McKenzie, 23, will lineup in the number 15 against the Wallabies in Tokyo, preferred to play out of position over his more established colleagues.
Speaking to media in Tokyo this afternoon, Hansen explained the decision to pick McKenzie at fullback, moving Ben Smith to the right wing.
"We want two playmakers on the park," Hansen began.
"Damian's spent a lot of time at five-eighth, he has those skills that we're looking for as a playmaker.
"And he's also played fullback. We'll start with him and Beauds (Beauden Barrett), and then we've got (Richie) Mo'unga to come off the bench afterwards.
"Regardless of what happens, we're going to have two available to us throughout the whole 80 minutes."
SHARE ME