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Dagg commits to All Blacks

New Zealand back Israel Dagg

Israel Dagg has snubbed lucrative offers from overseas by signing a new contract with New Zealand Rugby until 2019.

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Toulon and Leinster were among the clubs reported to be eager to lure Dagg to Europe, but the brilliant Crusaders outside back will remain in his homeland.

Dagg’s decision to commit to the All Blacks comes less than a week after Ben Smith rejected overtures from abroad to commit to the All Blacks and Highlanders.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen stated last year that it would be a positive outcome for the word champions if two of Dagg, Smith and Aaron Cruden signed new contracts and the latter is the only one of the trio to move on – agreeing to join Montpellier at the end of the Super Rugby season.

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“There’s no doubt that there were some attractive offers to consider, but at the end of the day I love my life here in New Zealand with my family, friends and team-mates and I’m not ready to give that up.” said Dagg.

“I still feel blessed every time I pull on the jersey for the All Blacks, Crusaders or Magpies so I consider it an honour to be able to keep working hard to earn that right for the next three years.”

Hansen said: “To have a player of Israel’s ability and versatility re-sign is a major lift for all levels of New Zealand Rugby.

“We appreciate the decision Izzy and his wife Daisy have made and to be able to plan the future, knowing that we’ll have him involved makes life so much easier for us all, and we look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Dagg has scored 24 tries in 61 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Ireland in 2010.

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Nickers 25 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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