The All Blacks eventually pulled away to secure a comfortable 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington, but the performance was far from flawless.
Dave Rennie’s side struggled for rhythm during a competitive opening half before a devastating spell after the break put the contest beyond the visitors.
Will Jordan and Cam Roigard enhanced their reputations, but three All Blacks will be looking over their shoulders ahead of next week’s Nations Championship clash with Ireland.
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Damian McKenzie
McKenzie was regularly on the front foot with ball in hand and produced several excellent flat passes to put teammates into space.
However, he struggled to find the final pass or make the clean breaks supporters have come to expect from the explosive full-back.
It continues a mixed start to the Nations Championship for the 29-year-old. He showed flashes against France in the opening round before another solid, if unspectacular, display against Italy.
With Ireland providing a much sterner examination next weekend, the All Blacks may need greater control from the backfield than McKenzie has offered across the opening two Tests.
Who should replace him?
Beauden Barrett. The 144-Test veteran was surprisingly overlooked for the opening two matches, but McKenzie’s performances have done little to make the No.15 jersey his own.
Against Ireland, Barrett’s tactical kicking, game management and experience in the biggest Test matches could prove invaluable. If Rennie wants a calmer presence at the back, this feels like the perfect time to restore one of the All Blacks’ greatest modern players.
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