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Israel Dagg - Source: Photosport -
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New All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg came through his Test debut against Ireland with flying colours but before the game he wasn't his usual self.
One of the better stories of the first Test week of the All Blacks international season involves Dagg and his veteran team-mate Joe Rokocoko.
Story goes that Dagg was awake on his makeshift bed late on Monday night in New Plymouth, with his new roomy Rokocoko, and was beside himself with excitement.
Like a little kid before Christmas, Dagg revelaed to Rokocoko that he couldn't wait for his Test debut.
However come day it was a whole different story. The 22-year-old fullback, with his first black jersey beckoning, went into his shell.
"Yeah, come game day I'm pretty quiet," Dagg said after the 66-28 demolition of Ireland last night.
"But I got my first touch and I got a wee break and my
confidence got up. I just had to do my job and things
clicked."|
Compelling
Clicked they did as the Hawke's Bay youngster set up at least three tries in the most compelling All Blacks fullback debut since some guy called Christian Cullen 14 years ago.
Yet it wasn't just his offence and counter-attacking ability that was impressive as he made his Test debut along side Ben Franks, Benson Stanley and later Victor Vito, Sam Whitlelock and Aaron Cruden.
His positional play was excellent and his combo with Cory Jane superb as he put 82-Test veteran Mils Muliaina on notice.
Indeed assistant coach Wanye Smith could hardly hide his smile after the match as he reflected on Dagg's first class performance.
"Some people are built for this level and he looks like he is," Smith said.
"We wanted to counter attack and he made some god decisions there. He is dangerous."
Dangerous he is and nerves before a Test match for Dagg should now be a thing of the past.
