Return for Dagg possible v Canes

‘‘We wanted to move them (the Bulls) around, keep the game moving and not allow it to slow down. Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar

Israel Dagg would be a handy bloke to throw at the Hurricanes, wouldn’t he?

As a conversation starter it goes alright, and you could imagine it being babbled in workshops and office buildings around the upper South Island in coming days as Crusaders fans discuss their team’s tremendous winning streak in Super Rugby – as well as the muchanticipated match against the Hurricanes in Christchurch next Saturday night.

But, hang on, there’s one minor hitch isn’t there?

Because in the wake of the unbeaten Crusaders’ 62-24 triumph over the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning, their biggest winning margin in the South African city since Super Rugby began in 1996, it’s difficult to single out a candidate who should be dumped to make way for the All Blacks fullback/wing.

Dagg required knee surgery following the fixture against the Reds in Brisbane on March 11, and he is eager to get back in action.

Crusaders assistant backs coach Brad Mooar, speaking after his side ran in 10 tries at Loftus Versfeld, said a decision on whether the All Black would be available for selection would be made when the team returns from South Africa.

‘‘We are not 100 per cent sure … of whether he is ready to play or not,’’ Mooar said.

‘‘But who would you leave out? It is going to be great to see him coming back, and Jone Macilai also played for University after a long rehab for his knee.

‘‘It will be great to see those guys bouncing around the training field again and sticking their hands up.’’

Wing Macilai hasn’t played for the Crusaders this year, being forced under the knife for a serious knee injury while on duty for Northland last season. He, like Dagg, has had to watch the winning run in their absence.

Dagg will be determined to convince the All Blacks selectors why they must select him for the three-test series against the British and Irish Lions, but he might have to be patient.

Because during his enforced break the Crusaders have set the competition alight with their attacking flair and the back three, especially, have been outstanding.

Fullback David Havili has revelled in the chance to get regular starts, and is in the best form of his career. Left wing George Bridge is one of the competition’s top try scorers, with eight, and right wing Seta Tamanivalu adds power and pace to the other flank.

So the answer might be to put Dagg on the bench – if he can convince coach Scott Robertson he is good to go.

The sight of Dagg in action would be a welcome sight for the All Blacks selectors, given all the traffic that has been trucking into the hospital wards in recent times.

Expect flanker Matt Todd to lead Crusaders again against the Hurricanes at AMI Stadium, with captain Sam Whitelock serving the second and final week of his ban.

It wasn’t surprising to hear Mooar confirm the Crusaders are chuffed to return from their two-match tour of South Africa with 10 competition points.

Their attacking flair, powerful scrum and defensive zeal sent the Bulls into a death-spiral.

‘‘The guys were really keen to keep the tempo up in the game, and enjoy the experience. We wanted to move them (the Bulls) around, keep the game moving and not allow it to slow down. It was certainly part of the plan.’’

The Crusaders scored 10 tries, chopping-up the Bulls’ defence with kicks in behind their line and flicking audacious passes in the tackle.

‘‘What was so enjoyable was seeing the side take the options off the opposition,’’ Mooar added. ‘‘A number of tries came off attacking kicks into space, and there was lot of pressure in defence that resulted in turnovers.’’