Revitalised Dagg glad to see his stocks rise
It’s hard to know which thread to tug first when unravelling the story about the second coming of Israel Dagg.
Around a year ago Dagg was touring North America with wife Daisy, nursing a busted shoulder and thinking about his future after he missed the All Blacks squad that defended the Webb Ellis Cup in Britain last year.
Things have changed for the better for a player who feared his international career had stalled.
When he missed the World Cup squad he went back to work for Hawke’s Bay, stuffed his shoulder, had an operation, went overseas and then decided to see if his Crusaders contract could lead to earning more test caps.
Dagg proved far from being washed up. He was selected for the All Blacks’ squad to play Wales in the June series, and remained locked in for the Rugby Championship series and their tour of Chicago, Rome, Dublin and Paris.
Like a listed company that has turned around its shabby operation and started recording decent profits, his value must be soaring.
The recent report that Irish club Leinster, an outfit that can probably offer a heap more than what Dagg earns in New Zealand, has joined French club Toulon in chasing his signature is a sure sign that he is swinging along nicely.
‘‘Last year I think I was on holiday in America, it was quite cool,’’ Dagg said. ‘‘We had a good time, but right now it is just good to be here, good to be playing. It is good to be in Paris, to get another opportunity against a great nation.’’
His recall to the All Blacks has coincided with him getting more games on the wing, emphasising his versatility to those rich clubs searching for a player with international experience who can do different jobs.
Given his NZ Rugby contract allows him to move offshore after the All Blacks’ series against the British and Irish Lions, the timing, it seems, could not be better.
Dagg, who has started the last eight games on the right wing and has played 60 tests since 2010, could be asked to switch fullback against France in Paris on Sunday because Ben Smith is out injured.
The selectors could request Damian Mckenzie start at the back, or shift Beauden Barrett there to allow Aaron Cruden get a run at No 10, but there is no doubt Dagg wants this opportunity to wear the No 15 jersey.
That’s his preferred position. He would only say he would play anywhere for the All Blacks, but when quizzed where he wanted to operate under new Crusaders coach Scott Robertson next season he was unequivocal.
‘‘I would rather play fullback, to be honest. I will just get back down south when I do, and I will sit down with Razor [new Crusaders coach Scott Robertson] and I am sure he will have some pretty outthere ideas so looking forward to that.’’