Damian McKenzie Breaks Chiefs Try-Scoring Record in Rotorua

Damian McKenzie made history Saturday afternoon at Rotorua International Stadium, breaking a franchise record that stood for years while reminding rugby fans why he's one of the game's most electric playmakers.

The All Blacks star scored twice in the Chiefs' 62-17 victory over Moana Pasifika, surpassing Sitiveni Sivivatu's long-standing franchise record of 42 tries. McKenzie's record-breaking 43rd try came in fitting fashion during the 44th minute when he collected an inside pass from teammate Liam Coombes-Fabling and sprinted 40 meters to the corner, placing the ball down left-handed with his trademark grin.

The achievement means even more considering McKenzie's recent journey back to the field. He missed the first three rounds of the season after welcoming his first child, then sat out another match due to concussion protocols before finally returning to lead his team from the number 10 position.

McKenzie wasn't content with just breaking the record. Twenty-one minutes later, he picked up a loose ball near the try line and dove over for number 44, despite being tapped on the ankles by a defender.

Why This Inspires

What makes McKenzie's achievement special isn't just the numbers. In his 143 games for the Chiefs, the playmaker has become the franchise's all-time leading points scorer with over 1,500 career points, trailing only legends Beauden Barrett, Morne Steyn, and Dan Carter on Super Rugby's all-time list.

His performance Saturday showed the balance elite athletes navigate between family life and professional excellence. Missing the season's start to be present for his child's birth, then returning to rewrite the record books, captures what many parents strive for: showing up fully in both worlds.

The victory propelled the Chiefs into second place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder. They'll face the Hurricanes next Saturday night in what promises to be a marquee matchup in Hamilton, with McKenzie now firmly back at the helm and playing with renewed purpose.

For a player who has given so much to the franchise over the years, breaking this record in Rotorua, in the heart of Chiefs country, felt like the perfect setting for a perfect moment.