Damian McKenzie has Crusaders on high alert for season opener in ChristchurchGETTY IMAGES Chiefs star Damian McKenzie has played 12 tests for the All Blacks and was promoted to start at fullback last year when Israel Dagg was injured and Ben Smith was granted a sabbatical by New Zealand Rugby. It's a new era, of sorts, for the Chiefs with Colin Cooper having replaced Dave Rennie as head coach and former Crusaders assistant Tabai Matson also joining the Hamilton-based club as a defence mentor. Up to five All Blacks could be named to start in the forward pack, with six in the backline. "What he [Cooper] will bring is a real calm demeanour and presence, a calm confidence and huge experience," Mooar said. "There is not much that has gone on a rugby field, or around it, that he hasn't seen."

Source: Stuff February 19, 2018 05:04 UTC