McKenzie embraces Rennie's attack reset as All Blacks prepare for France series opener

Damian McKenzie has described the All Blacks’ retooled attacking approach under new head coach Dave Rennie as fundamentally a “mindset thing”, with the 74-Test playmaker backing the new-look system to suit the squad’s personnel ahead of the July series against France.

Speaking to reporters after a training session at Christ’s College in Christchurch — his old high school — McKenzie outlined what Rennie and new attack coach Mike Blair have been emphasising in the squad’s first week together, just ten days before the opening Test.

“I think it’s just a mindset thing; a bit of optimism around our counter-attack, our turnover ball, and just making sure we’re getting our eyes up the field and seeing opportunities, and when it’s on to play, we play,” McKenzie said. “For me, that’s a great thing. I love playing that style of rugby. And you’ve definitely got to be fit; there’s nowhere you can hide for sure.”

The Chiefs first five-eighth is entering his ninth season with the national team and his fourth under a different head coach, having debuted in 2016. He acknowledged that each new coaching group brings a “different style and a different flavour”, and that the squad has had to absorb new structures quickly.

“There’s an expectation with the All Blacks that you get into your books pretty quickly,” McKenzie said. “We were able to do that last week; it was good to get in for a few days so that we can hit the ground running this week.”

McKenzie faces stiff competition for the No.10 jersey, with veteran Beauden Barrett and young Hurricanes playmaker Ruben Love also named in the squad for the series. Love featured prominently in the most one-sided Super Rugby final in the competition’s history two weeks ago, coming out on the winning side against McKenzie’s Chiefs.

“He’s a good player, and playing some great rugby. He’s had a great season,” McKenzie said of Love. “He deserved everything he got this year, so it’s been nice to be able to link up with him. Although he’s still so young, he shows a lot of experience and maturity for his age.”

Richie Mo’unga also spent time with the group last week to familiarise himself with the new systems, though his All Blacks eligibility does not resume until he has played for Canterbury in the upcoming NPC season.

Awaiting New Zealand in the first-ever Test at Christchurch’s new roofed stadium is a France side that claimed the Six Nations title in dramatic fashion in their last outing. Top 14 finalists will be unavailable for selection in the opening match of the series.