Something old, something new, something blue
In the first of a weekly segment, Liam Napier runs the rule over how the All Blacks are performing this Super Rugby season.
Israel Dagg (Crusaders)
While many of his returning All Blacks comrades appeared slow to spark — not surprising given their late start to preseason training — Dagg was the obvious exception. In his 100th Super Rugby match, Dagg celebrated in style. He was nothing short of exceptional. Maybe it’s the baby on the way. Maybe his newly inked contract. Maybe his milestone match. All could be factors in the standout performance. Two try assists – the long cutout ball to put Seta Tamanivalu in and the offload for Whetu Douglas – only tell part of the story. And given the Crusaders’ first-up effort, they needed every ounce of Dagg magic. Dagg is a confidence player; the more facials you see the better. Against the Brumbies his zip was evident. He was heavily involved from first receiver (21 carries for 111 metres); proved elusive, and committed under the high ball. Last year marked Dagg’s second coming. His skills found a home on the wing for the All Blacks, and if he continues this sort of form, he’ll be incredibly hard to leave out again, even with Nehe Milnerskudder on the comeback.
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Rieko Ioane (Blues)
If 2016 was Ioane’s breakout, this year could be dubbed moving season. One Super Rugby start at centre, and Malakai Fekitoa and Seta Tamanivalu must already be looking over their shoulders. Sure it was only the Rebels, and they had some awful defence. But Ioane has all the attributes to make the No 13 jersey his own. Further refinement is needed, particularly on defence and more frequent distribution, but there’s already a sense long-term Ioane would be wasted on the wing. You want the ball in his hands as much as possible, and that’s at centre. Blues fans are eagerly awaiting his partnership with Sonny Bill Williams. Ioane claimed a hattrick in Melbourne but one try stood out. Rebels speedster Jack Maddocks first bought the dummy, and Wallabies utility Reece Hodge then got burnt, as Ioane coasted to the line. All this at 19. Scary.
Tevita Li (Highlanders)
Not an All Black – but maybe not far off. Li was a freak at under-20s level to the point where it looked a case of man against boys. At the Blues he struggled to kick on, developing a tendency to run across field hoping for an opening that didn’t always arrive. As has been the case for many, Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo included, the move south out of Li’s comfort zone could be his making. In a back-three that features Naholo, Patrick Osborne and Ben Smith among others, Li faces stiff competition just to make the starting team. But in a beaten side that blew countless chances he did everything possible. Ten carries for 131 metres speaks volumes. But it was more the way he broke tackles with ease that impressed. The All Blacks are spoiled for choice in the outside back department but this guy is in the frame. At 21 he has plenty of time.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes)
The Hurricanes are hardly even worth a mention, given the sad, sad state of their opposition. Some of the Sunwolves’ tackling would see them hooked from club rugby. Still, the younger Barrett warrants a pat on the back. One inside ball to hand TJ Perenara a try, and a lovely show and go from first receiver show to set up Ngani Laumape were highlights but it’s his constant time on the ball that stands out. A special talent in the making.
Under pressure: Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
Under pressure is probably a tad unfair after one match but Aaron Smith wasn’t near his best against the Chiefs. His speed to the breakdown was there at times, and he wasn’t helped by poor ball presentation. But this is the world’s best halfback we’re talking about. Certain expectations come with that mantle, and Smith didn’t hit them round one. He threw one intercept and was then palmed off attempting to chase down James Lowe. Of more concern was the way Smith took too many quick taps and threw one unnecessary offload.