The selection of Damian McKenzie at No10 for the New Zealand Maori against the British and Irish Lions is a direct response to the tourists' kicking game and line speed on defence, a move from head coach Colin Cooper which signals that all-out attack is the only option.
It's a move, too, which will allow McKenzie to play his natural game at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday; with his fast hands, feet, and speed of thought. McKenzie has started only one match at first-five for the Chiefs this season, and will expect to see plenty of huge figures in red running down his channel, but it is probably the safer spot for him.
The much bigger James Lowe is starting at fullback and he and his two colleagues in the back three, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Rieko Ioane, are expecting the night sky to rain with high balls as the Lions revert to the tactics which brought them success against the Crusaders. Lowe's height and natural ability to better handle the knocks adds a better balance at the back.
There is no doubting the opportunity for McKenzie, who missed selection for the All Blacks squad after being included at the end of last year, and the Maori as a whole.
McKenzie, 22 and a little over 80kg, is a specialist first-five until he began playing for the New Zealand Under-20s where he widened his portfolio. He is seen as a No10 by the national selectors, and re-learning the ropes there will do his international ambitions no harm.
