Rugby World Cup sensation Israel Dagg played down suggestions he has overtaken Mils Muliaina as the All Blacks’ top fullback despite a try-scoring, man-of-the-match outing against France which delighted his coach.
Dagg linked with Dan Carter for the hosts’ third try and stepped past the French defence to secure the bonus-point fourth score in New Zealand’s 37-17 win, making it four tries in two World Cup outings.
The nine-Test rookie appeared to have cemented a starting spot ahead of the veteran Muliaina, who has 98 All Blacks appearances – and looked on as captain Richie McCaw was feted for reaching a record 100 caps for New Zealand on Saturday.
But Dagg, 23, denied he was coach Graham Henry’s automatic choice and backed “legend” Muliaina to achieve the Test century milestone.
“I felt a wee bit of pressure, definitely. There’s always that little bit of tension but I just had to go out there and play well,” he said.
“Of course I want to see him get his 100. He’s a big part of the All Blacks and he’s a bit of legend in the game. I wouldn’t say I’m number one.”
Henry admitted he had wrestled with the decision to leave out the faithful Muliaina, 31, but he was in no doubt about the impact of the “dynamic” Dagg.
“He is the form fullback. He was dynamic most of the night and he scored a couple of great tries, too,” Henry said.
Centre Conrad Smith also won praise from Henry alongside the game-breaking Ma’a Nonu, while Piri Weepu excelled at scrumhalf.
New Zealand media were delighted with the win, which seemingly eased memories of past World Cup upsets against France including their shock quarter-final defeat four years ago.
The Otago Daily Times called it “payback” and the New Zealand Herald said it was: “All Blacks revenge dished up cold”.
“Having had four years to stew over things, the All Blacks exacted a clinical and soul cleansing revenge at Eden Park last night in their crucial Rugby World Cup clash,” the Herald said.
“France were poked in the eye, jabbed with a stick then clubbed viciously with an array of weaponry they had no means to defend themselves against.”
The All Blacks’ injury problems have lightened with three of the four walking wounded from their comfortable win over France likely to be available for their last group match.
Dagg, wingers Cory Jane and Richard Kahui, and loose forward Adam Thomson were all injured on saturday night.
However only Kahui has been ruled out for the Pool A fixture against Canada in Wellington next weekend because of a tight hamstring.
Replacement scrum-half Andy Ellis warned that New Zealand would lift their intensity again next week against Canada, as they aim to finish Pool A with four wins and head into a likely quarter-final against Argentina.
“Step up each time. That’s what we did tonight. We are going to lift up again for next week,” Ellis said.
redxabi
Guest
I still think the whole dagg/mills thing was a setup to ensure that McCaw got to 100 caps 1st. Mils played in the home leg of 3N which the AB's won easily and he was pretty good against Boks & Aus and then was rested for the away leg where Dagg miraculously became the form no:15. How can you tell Mills is out of form if he does not get a game. Mills has been a great but the AB's have thrown him under a bus for the great richie mccaw
Moaman
Guest
Am I the only one who thinks Dagg must be a lovechild of Bill Osborne?
Brad
Guest
Agreed. I think he and Kurtly are going to be trying to one up each other for a few years. It should make for great viewing!
Will Sinclair
Guest
I reckon Israel Dagg is just about the best full back in the world, let alone in New Zealand. I would be amazed - AMAZED - if he is not a starter for the rest of the RWC and, indeed, the next 10 years... The bloke is a super, super talent.
WQ
Guest
Get over yourself Dwayne, if he came out and said I'm the best fullback for New Zealand he would get howled down! If there were less stupid questions asked by media trying desperately to create some sensationalism then these players would not be forced to give these types of statements.
Bazza All Black
Guest
Exactly, if he come out and said it, he would have to change his name to Quade...
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I dont see the point or the benefit in playing Mills just for the sake of it. Dagg has not played alot of rugby this year, there is no way he needs a rest. SBW should get a start on the wing, if that is where Henry and co are going to use him as an impact player. It's far more benificial to the team for Dagg to stay at fullback. Dagg Jane/Toeava Smith Nonu SBW Carter Weepu Read McCaw Kaino Thorn Whitelock O Franks Hore Woodcock That should be the team to play Canada. We dont need to rest players, the more they play the better. I have Jane bracketed because of his knock.
Brad
Guest
He's not going to come out and say "I'm the best and everyone knows it" is he?? If he had you would probably be bagging him out for being big headed and up himself. I think humility is what we need, not ego maniacs.
Tonto
Guest
Mils will play vs Canada but you will probably see Dagg on the wing as "Kahui Backup" , either that or either Mils or Dagg will be on the bench.
Dwayne
Guest
Stop talking BS Dagg, we are not stupid. You know it, we know it, Mills knows it. You sound like a try hard coached professional. Keep it real. You can see in his facial expressions he doesn't believe a word of half the crap he says.
Mungehead
Guest
Humility is all very well, but even the coach is saying Dagg is the number one fullback at the moment. Having said that, I think Muli'aina will get his 99th against Canada, if only to keep him in shape as a reserve and because Dagg suffered that slight injury against the French. Dagg will start in the knockouts though, assuming he's fit.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Henry need's to get as much game time into Dagg as possible. If he starts Mills this week or Guildford he is an absolute idiot. I dont no why he continually says guys need game time incase they play later on. Rubbish, it's more important to get the top 22 up to scratch and combinations developed. Deal with injury when and if it come's dont let the "What if's" determine how the side is prepared.