All Blacks livewire Damian McKenzie says he's preparing for the upcoming Super Rugby season with the Chiefs, not getting carried away by any notion of this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.
With the 2019 season rapidly approaching, competition for places among Steve Hansen's side will no doubt intensify as the All Blacks attempt to win an unprecedented third straight World Cup title.
Meanwhile, 23-year old McKenzie is expected to be one of few certain selections behind Beauden Barrett at first-five, also capable of slotting in at fullback when required.
However, while many players would be excited at the chance of playing at their first World Cup, McKenzie says he's simply concentrating on finding his form in Super Rugby with the Chiefs.
"It's obviously in the back of my mind, but for myself I try to take every day as it comes and try to play some good rugby through the year with the Chiefs and then hopefully things fall into place," he told Stuff.
"The World Cup is around the corner and if I get in that squad, start peaking then and play some good footy, that would be great.
"The main goal of the year is to try to make that squad and it's a game at a time, particularly with myself at the Chiefs and then hope for something bigger later in the year."
McKenzie and the Chiefs are currently going through their Super Rugby pre-season, before beginning their campaign against the Brumbies on February 23.
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