Dagg embraces leadership role
"I think for me it's not about the talking, it's more about the actions. I've just got to lead by my actions." Israel Dagg
‘‘It’s just an old man syndrome.’’
All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg wasted few words when addressing the knee issue that has plagued him throughout the year.
‘‘I’ve just got to maintain the body and look after it because if I don’t I won’t be able to train the next day,’’ he explained.
‘‘If I’m going to be completely honest, it hasn’t been 100 per cent the whole year, but it is what it is. It’s just a bit of bone bruising and meniscus cartilage damage.’’
It was a fitting diagnosis from the 29-year-old, who added his knee was feeling great, as he takes the reins as the most experienced backline player in the All Blacks camp ahead of their match against Argentina in New Plymouth on Saturday.
With vice captain Ben Smith taking a sabbatical, the 65-cap fullback said he was looking forward to being a leader for Damian Mckenzie (22), Rieko Ioane (20) and Nehe Milner-skudder (26).
Having already taken on a similar role with the Crusaders this year, Dagg was up for the task.
‘‘I think for me it’s not about the talking, it’s more about the actions. I’ve just got to lead by my actions and if the young players can see that then hopefully that can be my certain way of leading.’’
All Blacks and Crusaders teammate Sam Whitelock backed Dagg to embrace the leadership role, having seen his influence on the young Super Rugby backline.
‘‘Izzy’s been great within the Crusaders and also [with the All Blacks] this year. Not everyone wants or likes talking, so Izzy’s great when he just gets out there and trains really hard and leads through his actions. When he does that people gravitate towards him,’’ Whitelock said.
While coach Steve Hansen expected Dagg to take on that leadership role in camp, he remained tight-lipped on whether Dagg would fill the backline starting spot in the match day squad left by Smith’s exit.
As Hansen put it, shouldn’t assume anything.’’
With Milner-skudder returning to camp this week, Dagg wasn’t taking anything for granted.
‘‘For me, it’s just working hard every day trying to get better and if I get that opportunity, just nailing Sunday to Friday and when it comes to Saturday just really getting out there and giving it my best shot.
‘‘But like I said, I’m just going to take each day as it comes and just work hard and try to get better.’’ ‘‘you