As England prepare for one of their toughest tests of the year, New Zealand’s Damian McKenzie has emerged as both an inspiration and a warning for Steve Borthwick’s side. The All Blacks star produced a gritty, match-winning display against Scotland at Murrayfield, proving once again why he remains one of the most electrifying yet underrated players in world rugby.

A Tough Start for McKenzie Turns Into a Heroic Finish

For the opening stages of his appearance off the bench, almost nothing went right for McKenzie. The 30-year-old—small by modern international rugby standards at 5ft 8in and 12 stone—struggled to find rhythm as Scotland built momentum.

Moments after Kyle Steyn scored, the All Blacks restarted. Scotland launched a towering box kick, and McKenzie, rising to claim it, collided awkwardly and immediately began bleeding. Defensive pressure mounted. A clearance kick barely made ground. Then a missed tackle on Darcy Graham left New Zealand on the brink again, saved only by Cam Roigard’s desperate cover.

With a cut chin adding to his woes and Scotland level at 17-17—while the All Blacks were down to 14 men because of Wallace Sititi’s yellow card—McKenzie admitted he feared a long, difficult final quarter.

But then everything changed.

A Game-Changing Moment: McKenzie Sparks the All Blacks Comeback

In a moment that flipped the match, McKenzie delivered a perfectly weighted 50:22 kick, swinging the momentum dramatically towards the All Blacks.

From the resulting line-out, New Zealand shifted the ball wide. McKenzie took an offload, sprinted for the corner, and executed one of the most remarkable finishes of the Series—twisting away from Blair Kinghorn and George Turner while keeping his boots inches from touch.

His swerving, pirouetting try encapsulated his trademark brilliance: agility, balance, and ice-cold composure under pressure.

Later, a long-range penalty sealed the result and crushed Scotland’s hopes of a first victory over New Zealand in 120 years.

“Luckily my sprigs stayed in the ground,” McKenzie joked afterwards, crediting advice from his father to always use long studs in heavy conditions.

McKenzie’s Versatility Reflects the Modern All Blacks

Although renowned as one of rugby’s most exciting attackers, McKenzie has had to fight for a starting role. With Beauden Barrett established at fly-half and Will Jordan at full-back, fewer than 30 of McKenzie’s 72 All Blacks caps have come in the starting XV.

But his adaptability, professionalism, and resilience—qualities forged while growing up on a Southland dairy farm—mirror the identity of this evolving New Zealand team.

This All Blacks side may not dominate like the Richie McCaw and Dan Carter era, which saw only 13 losses in the entire 2010s. Since 2022, New Zealand have suffered just as many defeats as they did during that entire golden decade. However, their mental toughness, ability to absorb pressure, and knack for late-game precision remain unrivalled.

England Face Their Toughest Test Yet

England captain Maro Itoje acknowledges the challenge ahead as England enter Twickenham on a nine-Test winning streak.

“These are the weeks we live for,” Itoje said. “It’s a huge game, a huge occasion, and we are ready.”

Itoje faced the All Blacks three times last year—all defeats—and understands the emotional and physical intensity required.

England will rely on tactical kicking, aerial contests, and a powerful bench to counter the All Blacks’ traditionally strong finishing strides. Coach Steve Borthwick insists his players must be prepared for hardship:

“The players are going to have to suffer because that’s what it takes against teams like this,” he said.

McKenzie proved last weekend that those who endure the physical and mental battle can seize decisive moments. England will need to do the same if they want to turn narrow margins into historic victory.