Rugby: McKenzie puts in strong shift

Charles Piutau's move to Ulster was a blow to the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

Charles Piutau will be a loss to New Zealand rugby, of that there is no doubt, but the last couple of nights have provided ample evidence that the loss will soon be forgotten.

Twenty-four hours after Nehe Milner-Skudder again shone in the Hurricanes' No15 jersey, Damian McKenzie last night enjoyed another strong outing at fullback in the Chiefs' narrow victory over the Blues in Hamilton.

There is no secret surrounding the talent production line in this country. With the unerring repetition of Whac-A-Mole, if one player is removed there are generally two more popping up to take his place.

So while Piutau's shock move to Ulster was a blow to both the Blues and the All Blacks, the 23-year-old closing the door on New Zealand rugby simply opened the window for another crop of exciting youngsters.

It took half a season for Milner-Skudder to emerge from relative obscurity and become an integral member of the highlight reel that is the Hurricanes' back line. Last season's ITM Cup Championship player of the year, Milner-Skudder has been a revelation in his maiden season of Super Rugby.

The 24-year-old's dynamic footwork ensures him of a bright future and improved decision-making on attack should confirm his status as an All Black-in-waiting.

McKenzie is another who has quickly earned that tag in his debut campaign with the Chiefs, still a fortnight short of his 20th birthday but performing like an established pro.

A first five by trade, having played the position at school and for Waikato in last year's ITM Cup, McKenzie's gifts are equally apparent while wearing both the No10 and No15 jerseys.

Last night was perhaps his quietest run at the back, absent of the electric attacking raids he unleashed during an outstanding trip to South Africa, but an ailing knee explained some of that missing spark.

It also illustrated his qualities. For all the flair on the ball, McKenzie is just as destructive in defence, proving they do indeed breed them tough in Southland. He appeared to suffer the injury in a textbook tackle on a rampaging Frank Halai, a man who outweighs him by 25kg and a man he had previously bundled into touch to snuff out another attack.

McKenzie soldiered on after suffering the blow midway through the first half, twice receiving treatment but refusing to leave his post, and he looked disappointed to be withdrawn with half an hour to play.

He is still learning at fullback — last year's under-20 world championships supplied his first taste of the position — but his insistence on remaining involved, along with his versatility, should help to ease the pain after Piutau's departure.