‘Dagger’ gets chance to shine
Israel Dagg has been reunited with the Crusaders’ No 15 jersey.
Whether the 66-test All Black will keep his starting spot for next weekend’s Super Rugby quarterfinal is a moot point, but his selection to play the Blues in Christchurch tomorrow night should still be considered a minor victory in what has proved a frustrating year for the long-serving fullback/wing.
Because appearances have been all too rare for Dagg this season. This will be just his fourth Super Rugby appearance in 2018, and as a consequence his hopes of being recalled to the All Blacks squad to play France in June evaporated.
Dagg, who has replaced David Havili for the final round-robin match at AMI Stadium, is one of six changes made by coach Scott Robertson to the team that started the 45-22 romp over the Highlanders last weekend.
The most notable omission is All Blacks loosehead prop Joe Moody, who will consult a specialist to determine whether the knee injury he suffered in the southern derby will prevent him from participating in the playoffs, or delay his arrival for the Rugby Championship.
‘‘We just have to make sure we get the detail right from the surgeon, so we can move forward,’’ Robertson said.
Hooker Codie Taylor and lock Scott Barrett are also missing because they have to complete their remaining All Blacks rest week, while another international, Owen Franks, has been rotated out. Jordan Taufua is back at No 6 and Mitchell Drummond gets a run at halfback.
With Andrew Makalio promoted to hooker for the second consecutive weekend, Sam Anderson-Heather, who made one appearance for the Highlanders
Crusaders:
Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (capt), Quinten Strange, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Wyatt Crockett, Donald Brighouse, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele.
in 2014, is on the bench.
Dagg’s return from a longterm knee injury was short-lived after Brumbies wing Chance Peni felled him with a coat-hanger tackle on April 28.
And when Dagg was omitted from the Highlanders game, the Crusaders’ first outing after the June window, the shadow that had already been cast over his season seemed to get longer.
Robertson might have shone a torch through the gloom by picking him to play the Blues, but indicated Havili could return for the quarterfinal which is likely to be against the Rebels in Christchurch.
‘‘David has been absolutely outstanding, that’s a tough call,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘Dagger [Dagg] deserves an opportunity. He is a great player and has been great for us. It’s his chance to take an opportunity.
‘‘I thought it was one of Dave’s best games last week, and now it is in Dagger’s court.’’
Asked if was a ‘‘trial’’ for Dagg ahead of the quarterfinal, Robertson replied in the negative: ‘‘We
are not playing off anyone against anyone.’’
With Havili likely to return, there is potential for Dagg to secure a place in the reserves for the sudden-death game.
But with Mitchell Hunt able to provide cover at fullback and first five-eighth, and Manasa Mataele adding explosive oomph as a backup wing, he may fall victim the depth of talent at Robertson’s disposal.
The Blues, who pitched out of the playoff race before the June break, are motivated to farewell warrior loose forward Jerome Kaino with a victory.
While a loss won’t alter anything for the Crusaders, as they have already secured the minor premiership, motivation should not be an issue.
The 1998 title-winning squad, of which Robertson was a member, will have a reunion in Christchurch this weekend. Serving up a loss didn’t appeal, said Robertson.
‘‘They started a pretty amazing dynasty and it’s our job to add to it,’’ he said.