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All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has put in arguably the best performance of the autumn so far, leaving commentators awe-struck by a ridiculous finish against Scotland. Gregor Townsend's team were defeated 25-17 by New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday, despite putting in a superb performance against Scott Robertson's side. Finding themselves 17-0 down at half-time, Scotland roared back to draw level with their southern hemisphere opponents and looked like they could be destined for a first-ever win against them. Step forward, Damian McKenzie. One of the most talented rugby player on the planet, New Zealand showed their strength in depth when they brought on McKenzie, who turned on the class in the closing stages and ensured his side would be coming away with a victory. Only playing 35 minutes, player of the match McKenzie produced a stunning 50:22 which would be the catalyst for the game-defining try. With the ball eventually making its way to McKenzie on the left side, he made a line for the corner as Blair Kinghorn closed in for the tackle. However, McKenzie brushed off the 6ft 4in Scotsman and using remarkable balance and agility, twisted his entire body to avoid touch and score the try. The TNT Sports commentary team were blown away by the moment of class, with John Barclay and Rory Lawson simply gasping as Jamie Lyall described the incredible moment. "A gut punch to the Scots," began Lyall. "A worldie for the All Blacks, rugby from the gods, played by rugby's gods. Damian McKenzie, wow." "What a moment," added Lawson. "Look at this from Damian McKenzie. Shrugs off Blair Kinghorn, George Turner cannot make it, he's sliding over. The try is given, what a finish by Damian McKenzie." Viewers were also in awe following this moment of class from the Waikato Chiefs star. "Absolutely insane. What a finish. World-class player," said one. "That finish from Damian McKenzie has to be one of the best ever that I’ve seen. Incredible," wrote another. While he missed the subsequent conversion, McKenzie topped off a sensational performance by slotting the match-deciding penalty on 78 minutes, taking the game beyond Scotland. With blood pouring from his head and a bandage wrapped around the injury, McKenzie still produced his trademark smile before taking the kick. Check out a still from this penalty below. In just over half an hour on the field, he scored eight points - a try and a penalty, carried the ball five times and beat two defenders as well as producing a perfect 50:22 to set up his own score. Speaking to the media after the game, McKenzie said: "It was a tough old test. It's never easy coming over to Edinburgh playing a Scottish team. The boys started well and Scotland just came out and they're on top of us for the majority of that second half. "As a team we knew we just had to be patient; once we got opportunities, nail them, play the right areas of the field. "The atmosphere in the city all week has been amazing. There have been a lot of Kiwi supporters over here so we really appreciate you for coming out. Scotland fans as well: it's awesome to play in front of them. I'm really proud of everything tonight." Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news. You can also follow us on social media on our X account , Facebook , Instagram and TikTok. For more exclusive stories and in-depth analysis, you can sign up for the Inside Welsh Rugby substack newsletter here.
