New Zealand's latest crosscode performer, Jock McKenzie, has become the first man in 68 years to represent Auckland in both cricket and rugby.
McKenzie, 22, has made two appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby, but most recently, he has shone with cricket ball in hand, taking 3/31 in Auckland Ace’s seven-wicket Super Smash win over Otago Volts at Eden Park.
"It was special," said McKenzie. "It's New Zealand's ground, you could say.
"Not many people get to do it, so I was just trying to enjoy it and lap it up."
After spending the past few years prioritising rugby, the fast-bowler chose to have another crack at cricket this summer.
"I lost a bit of weight," he said. "I'm probably way too skinny to be playing footy right now.
"You just play way more and I probably lost a bit of it."
Despite still enjoying both sports, McKenzie admits he must soon shift his focus to just one of the codes, if he wants to play at the highest level.
"I’ll decide very soon," he said. I've probably left it at late as I can.
"You'll probably know sooner rather than later what one to do, but for the summer, I'm just playing cricket and focusing on that."
If he continues to perform this well on the pitch, that decision may end up being made for him.
