D-Mac back for Waikato and eyeing return to ABs

• Author: Liam Napier
• Published date: 18 June 2022
• Publication title: Weekend Herald

Two weeks ago, McKenzie returned home from a lucrative six-month stint with Suntory, where he is believed to have pocketed $1.5 million for guiding the Milton Haig-coached club to the Japanese Top League final they lost to Robbie Deans’ Panasonic

“I loved it. It’s a cool country. The rugby is a bit different — it’s quick, open and pretty loose, which is the style I like playing, so it was good fun,” McKenzie told the Weekend Herald. “Rugby over there is developing really well, so in the next few years, that Japanese League One competition will be pretty strong.”

Committing through to the 2023 World Cup in France leaves the door open for the 27-year-old to again take his talents offshore, or stay as a potentially senior figure in a depleted All Blacks squad.

For now, his return to the Chiefs significantly boosts their playmaking stocks. With Bryn Gatland growing his game and one-test All Black Josh Ioane understood to have re-signed for a further two years, McKenzie is likely to slot in at fullback for the Chiefs.

“I always thought of coming home. The World Cup was always a big goal of mine, so I wanted to come back for that. Signing for the Chiefs was an easy decision. It’s a great club and I’m close to 100 games, so it was always the plan to come back and join them and Waikato for the NPC season.

“The goal is to make the World Cup, hopefully, and then I’ll reassess after that.”

After playing 40 tests — 13 last year, six off the bench — McKenzie has runs on the board for the All Blacks but compelling form from Blues playmaker Stephen Perofeta this season creates serious competition for the third first-five/fullback role behind Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.

McKenzie was not included in the All Blacks’ 36-man squad named last week for the three-test series against Ireland next month, as he must first play for Waikato to be eligible.

When he satisfies that stipulation, he will likely go head-to-head with Perofeta for an All Blacks recall this year.

“I’m not eligible...