Richie Mo'unga gives verdict on Damian McKenzie and makes ...

Richie Mo’unga has given his feedback on Damian McKenzie’s start to life in the All Blacks fly-half jersey.

The former Crusaders playmaker took ownership of the shirt in 2023 before putting his international career on hold by signing a three-year contract in Japan.

That opened up the chance for McKenzie, who has impressed since returning to Super Rugby from Asia, to take that position heading into the 2027 global tournament.

The 29-year-old has often struggled to nail down a spot in the All Blacks’ first XV but this is his opportunity to say to head coach Scott Robertson that he is the person for the job.

New Zealand have so far claimed three successive wins with McKenzie at the helm, but the consensus is that improvement can still be made.

With the attack stuttering at times and Beauden Barrett bailing out Robertson’s men twice after coming on at full-back against England, the Chiefs star is still settling into the role.

But Mo’unga is backing his successor to continue to improve and emerge as an exceptional number 10 under the guidance of the head coach and his backroom team.

“No surprises from what I’ve seen. We know what he’s capable of and the threats that he poses to the defence,” he told The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Australia & New Zealand podcast.

“I think he’s going to have an awesome year and I think under Razor and the coaches, it will be an awesome opportunity for him to learn more about his game, which will be really dangerous.”

Richie Mo’unga insists Scott Robertson ‘hasn’t changed’ as ex-All Blacks star recalls brutal chat which altered his mindset

New Zealand now head into the Rugby Championship on Saturday looking to build on their victories over England and Fiji.

Despite some criticism coming their way for their unconvincing triumphs over the Red Rose, Mo’unga was pleased with aspects of their performances.

“At Test level, there’s not much that separates the teams. England are always a team that no matter where they are in their cycle of development, they always bring their ‘A’ game. Whenever I’ve played them, it’s just been the toughest games,” he said.

“I liked what I saw. It wasn’t always perfect, no game of rugby is, but what I saw was a team that defended really well in crucial parts of the game, but also a team that was clinical.

“Beaudy came on and changed the game – he was a bench player that game, so that was his role. All he was doing was executing his role.

“I also liked some of the younger players that played against Fiji, so really happy with where they’re going, and I’m sure we’ll see a lot more coming.”

Observers are intrigued how highly rated head coach Robertson will revolutionise the All Blacks’ game after taking the role following the World Cup.

Mo’unga, who enjoyed excellent success under the 49-year-old at the Crusaders, has seen a few changes so far, but insists that the errors, especially in attack, may have been because of their lack of preparation time heading into the mid-year series.

“Probably more so defensively. Guys are coming up a lot faster and been real efficient at the chop tackle. I like seeing my big boys do that, so I sort of noticed it really well,” he said.

“It’s hard to see where they’re trying to get to in terms of their attack. It might be one pass or someone is just a bit wider, but time was a huge part in that.

“What they had to do, especially with new management and coaches – basically a new outfit had come in – so having to navigate through that was challenging.”

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