You might remember Damian McKenzie playing a starring role the last time the All Blacks played in Dunedin.
But the man himself is a bit sketchy on the details.
"My memory’s not that flash but was it France?" McKenzie said with a hint of a smile as he faced the media in Dunedin yesterday ahead of Saturday’s test against Fiji.
It was indeed.
In June 2018, the All Blacks thumped France 49-14 under the Forsyth Barr Stadium roof.
McKenzie (26) started in the No10 jersey for the first time and made the most of it, scoring 24 points through two tries and seven conversions from as many attempts.
"That was a while back now," McKenzie said.
"It’s always exciting to be in Dunedin, especially playing under the roof.
"It’s obviously a bit cold out there at the moment but playing under the roof offers up some attacking rugby."
The Chiefs playmaker has never been far from the All Black squad since making his debut in 2016 but has never had an extended run in his favoured position at first five.
He started at fullback in Saturday’s test against Tonga and said he was happy to be in either position if it meant a chance to join the likes of Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett in the playmaking squad in black.
"I’ve obviously dabbled around with 10 and 15, and we’ve obviously got some world-class 10s in Richie and Baz at the moment, and it’s been great to learn off them.
"Playing that dual playmaker role has been a big focus for us. Whether it’s 10 or 15, the skillsets are similar, and I’m happy to keep pushing Richie and Beaudy.
"I’ve played both 10 and 15 this year.
"Being able to jump into first receiver is great, but staying out wide is awesome as I have a bit more space. Coaches have given us the licence to be free about that, and I enjoy that aspect of the game."
For how much longer McKenzie will be an option for All Black coach Ian Foster is the question.
He is coming off contract and there is some talk he will look to make hay in the beefed-up Japanese league after this season.
"I’ve got no update on that at the moment. I’m still working through that sort of stuff.
"For me, I’m solely focused on this series."
McKenzie has been gone a while but the Southland accent still comes through.
He is looking forward to seeing another Gore product, rising Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot, if he gets a chance to make his debut this weekend.
"It’s exciting for Ethan. I played a little bit of rugby with him, believe it or not, at under-48kg level years and years ago down in Gore.
"It’s great to see him come through the system in Southland. His work and his attention to detail have been great. If he gets an opportunity in his home region, it will be great.
"Hopefully, a few Gore and Southland supporters will come up the highway for the game."
McKenzie will never be the biggest man on the park, and he is expecting the fast and physical Fijians to throw everything at the All Blacks.
He also knows, with two world-class first fives, and Barrett, brother Jordie and Will Jordan all talented options at fullback, the All Blacks are going to be leaving top players out every week.
"It’s always great to create that competitive environment. We’re all pushing each other, and that’s healthy. It gets the best out of everyone, and it’s the way to improve as a team.
"If you get the opportunity, you have to make the most of it."
