Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has claimed that Damian McKenzie has been the best fly-half in world rugby over the past month, placing him above Springboks playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
“I think McKenzie’s been the best first five around the world,” Read said on The Good, The Bad & Rugby Australia & New Zealand.
McKenzie or Feinberg-Mngomezulu: who is the best No 10 in the world right now?
Read was speaking alongside host Andy Rowe and former Wallabies hooker Jeremy Paul, in an episode published on 10 November.
The panel were reviewing New Zealand’s 43–21 win over Scotland at Murrayfield, where McKenzie started at first five-eighth and full-back Beauden Barrett scored two tries.
READ MORE: All Blacks Team v Wales: Out In July, Beauden Barrett Now Captain
‘The best first five’
Paul had credited Barrett’s form to the decision to pick McKenzie at 10.
“Selection policy, culture throughout the team, they look happy, mate,” the former Wallabies hooker said.
Read went further.
“Sacha Feinberg had an amazing game against Italy, but over the last month it’s D-Mac, the best first five,” Read said.
“… those two have been playing together for 10 years. They play golf every week. They’re best of mates. You can’t underestimate that connection part.”
South Africa beat Italy 66–7 last weekend.
‘Comes out of nowhere’
The former No 8 used Barrett’s first try at Murrayfield to make his case.
“That first try where Will Jordan’s floating outside Damian McKenzie, you just think it’s going to go to Will Jordan. He’s the guy, right?” he explained.
“But bang, cut-out ball, and Baud just knows that line to run. Comes out of nowhere and scores a try.
“Baud just brings that experience and understanding.”
In October, Read wanted McKenzie at full-back for the World Cup.
Russell questioned
Rowe then widened the comparison to Scotland’s Finn Russell, who was on the losing side at Murrayfield.
“When was the last time we saw Finn Russell win a big game?” Rowe said. “As amazing as he is, when was the last time we saw him pull the strings properly like a George Ford or someone does and actually drive his team around the field to win games in big matches?”
Paul agreed.
“When he gets under pressure, his first reaction is to kick, and it’s normally a silly kick which puts him under pressure more,” the former Wallabies hooker said.
McKenzie will not start the next Test. Richie Mo’unga returns at first five-eighth against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 14 November, with Barrett captaining the side from full-back. Kick-off is 14:10 GMT.
READ MORE: Finn Russell ‘Playing On Reputation’, Says Jean de Villiers After 43–21 Loss
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