Damian McKenzie returns to spark Chiefs' resurgence in Super Rugby

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Over the last seven weeks and both through his presence and absence, flyhalf Damian McKenzie has proved he is indispensable to the Hamilton-based Chiefs as they chase a third title in Super Rugby Pacific.

The Chiefs won four of their first five matches this season with McKenzie at the helm. They then rested the All Blacks playmaker for their clash with the defending champion Crusaders and became the first team to lose to the Crusaders in 2024.

McKenzie returned Friday and led the Chiefs to a 68-10 win over Moana Pasifika, the club’s largest winning margin in Super Rugby.

The fact that in McKenzie’s absence, the Chiefs achieved a feat no other team has managed this year by losing to the Christchurch-based Crusaders highlighted the costly nature of his absence.

In his presence, the Chiefs scored 10 tries against Moana Pasifika and many were inspired by McKenzie’s raids from set pieces or broken play, h...