Rennie signals McKenzie-Barrett axis at 10-15 for All Blacks' Nations Championship tour

Dave Rennie has signalled his intention to persist with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett as the All Blacks’ first-choice 10-15 combination for the Nations Championship fixtures in Europe, with McKenzie confirmed to start against Scotland before the coaching staff reassess for the Wales match.

The partnership was forced into existence by a Bledisloe Cup ankle injury to first-choice fly-half Ruben Love, but it quickly outgrew its emergency origins. Barrett scored twice in the first half in Sydney while McKenzie, named the 2024 Dream Team No.10 of the year, orchestrated the attack from first receiver. The result left Rennie openly enthusiastic about what the pairing offers.

“I really like him and Beauden together,” Rennie said of McKenzie. “He spent a lot of time at first receiver, sharing the load, and just the organisation and communication was a big part of it, especially with a midfield that actually hadn’t trained together in that second Test.”

Rennie was equally effusive about McKenzie’s individual contribution. “He’s been excellent, hasn’t he? And that’s a luxury we have. You lose a couple, and then you have someone of that quality coming in.”

On the plan for the tour, Rennie kept the door open beyond Scotland. “The plan is Damian is likely to be there and get Scotland, and then we’ll reassess. I mean, I just like him on the field, whether it’s 10 or 15, and so we’ll make a decision based on the best squad for Wales.”

Richie Mo’unga, who returned from injury during the South Africa tour only to miss the Bledisloe series, has been included in the touring squad. Uncapped rookie Josh Jacomb also earned selection, with Rennie confirming the young player is likely to get his opportunity during the November window.

Rennie described the squad as refined rather than experimental, drawing on the extensive information gathered during a 44-man tour of South Africa that ultimately involved 49 players. “We’ve picked the best possible squad,” he said. “That was the advantage of a tour to Africa — we’ve learnt a lot about a lot of players. We’re in a really good spot. We’ve got a strong understanding of a lot of the players.”