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‘Ball of energy’: McKenzie bounces back after brutal injury blow
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 19th, 2026 11:41 am
Damian McKenzie | Photo: Photosport
Star Chief and All Black hopeful Damian McKenzie is on the mend following Friday’s freak accident that left him unconscious.
In the 69th minute of Friday's Chiefs and Highlanders clash, McKenzie took a boot to the face while tackling Lucas Casey.
The 31-year-old was able to walk off the pitch under his own power and did not undergo a head injury assessment, instead receiving a 12-day medical stand-down due to the injury severity.
Mark Watson says Damian McKenzie should miss rest of Super Rugby season after concussion | The Rugby Run
Chiefs Assistant Coach David Hill said it was a good sign to see McKenzie attend yesterday's training as his usual “annoying and cheeky” self.
“Damian is a ball of energy, he’s bounced back well," Hill told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
“He was asking what the plan was for the week, assuming and thinking he was going to play.
“He got told to go home and didn't like that, so he hung around for a bit and then he got sent home.”
Hill said McKenzie is going through the normal safety protocols and they will reassess his condition again next week.
Newly appointed All Blacks coach Dave Rennie was in attendance at FMG Stadium as he scouted players to join his team.
Caleb Tangitau | Photo: Photosport
Rennie showed utter shock as the event unfolded - casting doubt on McKenzie's chances of wearing the black jersey this year.
In another blow to the All Blacks, Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau, who was also likely on Rennie’s radar, ruptured his achilles, forcing him to the sidelines for at least the rest of 2026.
Caleb Tangitau's breakout season brutally cut short by injury | Scotty & Izzy
