New Zealand thrash Sharks 54-0 as Damian McKenzie suffers ankle injury

New Zealand recorded a resounding 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban, but an ankle injury to Damian McKenzie has cast a shadow over their upcoming series against South Africa.

The tourists delivered a vastly improved performance following a scrappy opening tour match against the Stormers in Cape Town.

An eight-try blitz dismantled the hosts, who had no answer to the relentless attacking power and physical dominance of the visitors.

Fineanganofo leads eight-try demolition

Winger Fehi Fineanganofo crossed the try-line twice during a commanding display built on a formidable forward platform.

Further scores from Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sam Darry completed the rout for the rampant touring side.

Fly-half Ruben Love also produced an impressive kicking performance, successfully landing seven conversions to compound the misery for the South African franchise.

McKenzie injury creates selection headache

Despite the emphatic scoreline, head coach Dave Rennie faces an anxious wait after losing a key playmaker before the interval.

The dynamic back was forced off the field after landing awkwardly, raising serious doubts about his availability for the looming international fixtures.

The squad will next travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls on Saturday as their preparation intensifies.

That final provincial clash precedes the first of four highly anticipated Tests against the Springboks, which concludes with a landmark series finale in Baltimore this September.