Adnaan Mohamed at Ellis Park in Johannesburg
Even though New Zealand has now lost two games in the Rugby Championship, Damian McKenzie is confident that the All Blacks can still win the Southern Hemisphere tournament.
The Kiwis lost a hard fought clash against the Springboks by 31-27 at Ellis Park on Saturday after leading by 12-11 at halftime.
Coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson charges surprisingly also lost their first game of their campaign by 30-38 to Argentina in Wellington.
In the second round they set the record straight with a resounding 42-10 hammering of the Pumas in Auckland
McKenzie, the fleet-footed 29-year-old All Black flyhalf, fondly known as DMac, has been a regular starter in the no.10 jersey since Robertson ook over the reigns as the new All Black head coach from his predecessor Ian Foster.
When McKenzie was asked after the game on Saturday evening if he thinks New Zealand’s chances of still winning the Rugby Championship were over, he said: “No, not at all!
“Were going to keep fighting one week at a time. We were not too far away tonight and it starts next weekend.”
Mckenzie’s was also full of praise for his Springbok counterpart, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. He described the Bok no.10 as a seriously talented young player with a sound all-round game.
“He’s really good. He’s a really great player, skillful. You have to watch him closely especially on defence.
“He offers a lot and also has a great kicking game. For a young guy he plays with a lot of confidence. He did a great job tonight and is a great young player,” said Mckenzie.
The All Black playmaker is looking forward to playing at the Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City in the shadow of Table Mountain. He is confident they can still turn things around against the arch enemy.
“Cape Town is a great place. I have played there quite al lot and we are always well supported there.
“We are disappointed with [the result] tonight, but we are excited with the opportunity that we have next weekend,” added McKenzie.
After three rounds South Africa are the only unbeaten side in the competition with 14 points after three games.
New Zealand (6), Argentina (5) and Australia (4) have only tasted victory in one of their three encounters thus far.
Coach Rassie Erasmus’ men only need one more victory to secure the Rugby Championship.
