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Milestone-man McKenzie ready to 'rip' into Crusaders in Super semi / Photo: DJ MILLS - AFP
Milestone-man McKenzie ready to 'rip' into Crusaders in Super semi
All Blacks star Damian McKenzie says the Waikato Chiefs are pumped up and ready to "rip" into the Canterbury Crusaders with a place in the Super Rugby final at stake when they meet on Friday.
The dynamic fullback will make his 150th Super Rugby appearance in the home clash at Hamilton against a team defending their title and with an ominous record in the playoffs.
The Crusaders have won seven semi-finals on the bounce and are on a three-match win streak against the Chiefs, including a 43-33 victory in Hamilton earlier in the season.
McKenzie admitted they would be "tough to beat" in his milestone match, but said the Chiefs were up to the task.
"We have been working really hard throughout the year to put ourselves into playoff contention and to play my 150th against the Crusaders in the semi-final is special," he said.
"We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win.
"In playoff rugby there are small margins and small moments you have to nail," he added.
"We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position."
The Luke Jacobson-led Chiefs named a largely settled side, with an injury to No.8 Wallace Sititi and centre Kyle Brown suffering concussion forcing two changes.
Lalakai Foketi will start at centre and Samipeni Finau comes into blindside flanker with Simon Parker moving to No.8.
The Crusaders are boosted by the return of All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell from injury, slotting back into the front row alongside Codie Taylor and Finlay Brewis.
"Fletch has played phenomenally for us, and we're blessed to have him back this week." said coach Rob Penney, who has elevated Braydon Ennor into the starting lineup at centre.
"You need all your top weaponry available at this time of year, and his experience is going to be very valuable.
"It will be hostile," he added of playing in front of the Chiefs' home crowd.
"But it's an awesome opportunity for us to go out there and put on a good performance. They're a quality side and the last times we've played them have been really tough."
The table-topping Wellington Hurricanes host the Auckland Blues in the other semi-final on Saturday.
F.T. Michaud--SMC
