Dagg Signs with Crusaders

[nickdnz]

http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/7758642/dagg-signs-crusaders

The balance of power among New Zealand Super 14 rugby franchises became more tilted today after the Crusaders announced they had signed rising All Blacks star Israel Dagg.
A short statement from the Crusaders today confirmed long-held speculation that one of the best young players in the country would shift north from the Highlanders next year to begin a two-year contract.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder was understandably delighted to have the 22-year-old fullback on his books.
"We are very happy to have secured Israel for next season's Super rugby competition and beyond. He is a special talent and we're sure he will fit in at the Crusaders very well," he said.
Dagg, who shone in two seasons for the Highlanders, made his All Blacks debut against Ireland in June and has played in four tests this season.
His move will unquestionably weaken the Highlanders, who have struggled in recent years both on and off the field.
In contrast, the seven-time Super rugby champion Crusaders are further strengthened. This year they were the only New Zealand team to reach the Super 14 semifinals.
Another player considering a shift from the Highlanders to the Crusaders is flanker Adam Thomson.
However, there is speculation the Highlanders will at least land a counter blow by securing the signature of Canterbury and Crusaders utility back Colin Slade, a player on the fringe of All Blacks contention.

 

[Jake Heke]

Chur chur Dagg.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Good on him, Thompson trying to get back in the AB jersey.

 

[Sam Owen]

Oh thats a big loss for the poor Highlanders. I hope they dont lose Thompson as well. Geez I wished Dagg didnt go to Crusaders he was doing well at the Highlanders.

 

[Hurricane Nate]

Bloody crusaders, their backlines is almost as good as the Canes now. Nearly but not quite.

 

[ranger]

I dont think this is too bad of a move. Dagg is an outside back in a forward dominated team that has no possession, no one can blame him for not wanting to play there. The best part is it looks like its going to be a straight swap with Dagg and Colin Slade.

Dagg is very much the better player but Slade would probably be of more use for the Highlanders

 

[Sam Owen]

I dont think this is too bad of a move. Dagg is an outside back in a forward dominated team that has no possession, no one can blame him for not wanting to play there. The best part is it looks like its going to be a straight swap with Dagg and Colin Slade.

Dagg is very much the better player but Slade would probably be of more use for the Highlanders

Yeah thats a good point about Slade being of more value to the Highlanders then Dagg. Would've been good for the Highlanders to have both. Highlanders I feel was the worst of the kiwi teams last year but the gave every team they played a run for their money. A lot of close results with Dagg having a big input into the Highlanders attack, I feel they just needed a 1st five like Slade last year and that might have given them the extra push over the finishing line in many of those close games.

At the end of the day its Daggs call and Im sure he will do well with the Crusaders. They will definately be a force next year as they are every year, with SBW, Brett, Fruean, Carter, Guildford, Maitland and now Dagg expect some good attacking rugby. As for the Highlanders one of their players to watch last year is now gone so Im not to sure how the Highlanders will go next year.

 

[Amobokoboko]

I think they will end somewhere at the bottom like they normally do. I saw some of their games last year and it was always a close call.
Maybe The reign should work on a kind of Youth and development team allowing the weaker team to draft players first, like in the NBA.
Well you never know with Super rugby.

 

[Darwin]

I dont think this is too bad of a move. Dagg is an outside back in a forward dominated team that has no possession, no one can blame him for not wanting to play there. The best part is it looks like its going to be a straight swap with Dagg and Colin Slade.

Dagg is very much the better player but Slade would probably be of more use for the Highlanders

As a Highlanders supporter I agree entirely. I rate Slade as an international quality first-five (and would have picked him ahead of Cruden for the AB's this year), and his style of play could really help the Highlanders. It could also mean the Robbie Robinson will get a full season at fullback - though he's still very raw, he could develop into an exceptional player given some experience. All we need now is another midfield back (assuming Smith will take one spot) and a couple of wings and we will have the makings of a half decent backline

 

[ranger]

As a Highlanders supporter I agree entirely. I rate Slade as an international quality first-five (and would have picked him ahead of Cruden for the AB's this year), and his style of play could really help the Highlanders. It could also mean the Robbie Robinson will get a full season at fullback - though he's still very raw, he could develop into an exceptional player given some experience. All we need now is another midfield back (assuming Smith will take one spot) and a couple of wings and we will have the makings of a half decent backline

Yeah Robinson didnt really take to first five this year and i think his best position is at the back, they should tell him hes either playing fullback or 12 next year and not to think about firstfive. Bring Bleyendaal in as the injury reserve cover for 10. The Highlanders should really get poaching if they want to be competitive, number 8 is a problem position, Elliot Dixon looks very promising but hes a bit young yet. Colin Bourke would really be an amazing signing if they could lure him back, he should be the number 1 target for the highlanders. Failing that, Taranakis Ben Souness is a very good prospect in the same mould, he has established himself as a sevens player but the Highlanders could really do with his workrate and ball handling. Another option should all else fail is trying Joe Tuineau at 8, hes massive, very quick, has good hands and between Him, Donnelly and Bekhuis the highlanders would have one of the best lineouts in the competition.
As for the midfield, they really need a hard running physical player to offset the physically weak Slade and Smith. Charlie Ngatai would be my pick, as there are no guarantees that he will make the canes and the Highlanders could latch on to him long term like they did with Dagg. Same goes with Star Timu who looks certain to miss out on a hurricanes contract but was Hawkes Bays best player on the field on Thursday. George Pisi would also be a solid option. There is always Hayward and Shoemark but i think the former has too much work to do on his game and the latter has been very average.
Futher out, the Highlanders should look to sign Dwayne Sweeney as first priority. He plays everywhere in the backline without making any mistakes, hes very fast and powerful, solid on defense and most importantly he seems to have a cool head under pressure. Hes stuck on the Cheifs bench so should be an easy steal. For the other wing, either Andre Taylor or Kurt Baker are both good solid allround players, there are other more exciting options around but the highlanders should really look to base their game around dominating the set piece and not making any mistakes in the backs. Should Gillies get on the field this year id nab him.

Id run with this next year:
1)Macintosh
2)Rutledge
3)King
4)Bekhuis
5)Donnelly
6)Thompson
7)Soakai
8)Bourke/Souness
9)Cowan
10)Slade
11)Sweeney
12)Ngatai
13)Smith
14)Taylor
15)Robinson

 

[nickdnz]

Yeah Robinson didnt really take to first five this year and i think his best position is at the back, they should tell him hes either playing fullback or 12 next year and not to think about firstfive. Bring Bleyendaal in as the injury reserve cover for 10. The Highlanders should really get poaching if they want to be competitive, number 8 is a problem position, Elliot Dixon looks very promising but hes a bit young yet. Colin Bourke would really be an amazing signing if they could lure him back, he should be the number 1 target for the highlanders. Failing that, Taranakis Ben Souness is a very good prospect in the same mould, he has established himself as a sevens player but the Highlanders could really do with his workrate and ball handling. Another option should all else fail is trying Joe Tuineau at 8, hes massive, very quick, has good hands and between Him, Donnelly and Bekhuis the highlanders would have one of the best lineouts in the competition.
As for the midfield, they really need a hard running physical player to offset the physically weak Slade and Smith. Charlie Ngatai would be my pick, as there are no guarantees that he will make the canes and the Highlanders could latch on to him long term like they did with Dagg. Same goes with Star Timu who looks certain to miss out on a hurricanes contract but was Hawkes Bays best player on the field on Thursday. George Pisi would also be a solid option. There is always Hayward and Shoemark but i think the former has too much work to do on his game and the latter has been very average.
Futher out, the Highlanders should look to sign Dwayne Sweeney as first priority. He plays everywhere in the backline without making any mistakes, hes very fast and powerful, solid on defense and most importantly he seems to have a cool head under pressure. Hes stuck on the Cheifs bench so should be an easy steal. For the other wing, either Andre Taylor or Kurt Baker are both good solid allround players, there are other more exciting options around but the highlanders should really look to base their game around dominating the set piece and not making any mistakes in the backs. Should Gillies get on the field this year id nab him.

Id run with this next year:
1)Macintosh
2)Rutledge
3)King
4)Bekhuis
5)Donnelly
6)Thompson
7)Soakai
8)Bourke/Souness
9)Cowan
10)Slade
11)Sweeney
12)Ngatai
13)Smith
14)Taylor
15)Robinson

I prefer Kurt Baker well and above Andre Taylor. Taylor is very average, and showed he was out of his depth for the Hurricanes in my opinion.

 

[Darwin]

Yeah Robinson didnt really take to first five this year and i think his best position is at the back, they should tell him hes either playing fullback or 12 next year and not to think about firstfive. Bring Bleyendaal in as the injury reserve cover for 10. The Highlanders should really get poaching if they want to be competitive, number 8 is a problem position, Elliot Dixon looks very promising but hes a bit young yet. Colin Bourke would really be an amazing signing if they could lure him back, he should be the number 1 target for the highlanders. Failing that, Taranakis Ben Souness is a very good prospect in the same mould, he has established himself as a sevens player but the Highlanders could really do with his workrate and ball handling. Another option should all else fail is trying Joe Tuineau at 8, hes massive, very quick, has good hands and between Him, Donnelly and Bekhuis the highlanders would have one of the best lineouts in the competition.
As for the midfield, they really need a hard running physical player to offset the physically weak Slade and Smith. Charlie Ngatai would be my pick, as there are no guarantees that he will make the canes and the Highlanders could latch on to him long term like they did with Dagg. Same goes with Star Timu who looks certain to miss out on a hurricanes contract but was Hawkes Bays best player on the field on Thursday. George Pisi would also be a solid option. There is always Hayward and Shoemark but i think the former has too much work to do on his game and the latter has been very average.
Futher out, the Highlanders should look to sign Dwayne Sweeney as first priority. He plays everywhere in the backline without making any mistakes, hes very fast and powerful, solid on defense and most importantly he seems to have a cool head under pressure. Hes stuck on the Cheifs bench so should be an easy steal. For the other wing, either Andre Taylor or Kurt Baker are both good solid allround players, there are other more exciting options around but the highlanders should really look to base their game around dominating the set piece and not making any mistakes in the backs. Should Gillies get on the field this year id nab him.

Id run with this next year:
1)Macintosh
2)Rutledge
3)King
4)Bekhuis
5)Donnelly
6)Thompson
7)Soakai
8)Bourke/Souness
9)Cowan
10)Slade
11)Sweeney
12)Ngatai
13)Smith
14)Taylor
15)Robinson

I've always felt Robinson looks more comfortable at fullback than a first-five, and they could always swap Slade and Robinson round for certain plays, as Slade is more than capable at fullback. I'm not sure about Bleyendaal backing up at 10. He undoubtedly has the talent to do it, he isn't in the Canterbury NPC squad this year so probably won't get any game time - it would be a tough ask going straight from club / age-grade level straight into Super 14 (Though to be fair I'd be more than happy if he did get picked). I think the Highlanders may try to get Michael Hobbs again - when he isn't injured (which is pretty rare) he actually looks quite comfortable at Super 14 level, and as a bonus can cover second-five. The other player I would target would be Trent Renata - he's always impressed me when I've seen him play, and the Chiefs already have two 10's in there region (Donald and Delany) so he might be available.

I agree that they need to get a powerful mid-field back to complement Ben Smith (and Kenny Lynn who is a very similar player to Smith). If Ngatai was available they should undoubtedly take him, but I have the feeling the Canes will grab him, as their mid-field back up to Nonu and Smith has been depleted with both Ellison and Kawau leaving (and I think Ngatai will really shine this season). I'd also try targeting the likes of Save Tokula and Winston Stanley, who at the moment would both be on the fringes of selections for the Chiefs and Blues.

Sweeney could be a very valuable acquisition, as would Andre Taylor or Kurt Baker. I really rate Taylor, and he would bring the added advantage of being a solid goal-kicker. I like the look of the Auckland winger Pakalani, but I'd like to see how he goes over the whole NPC.

We really aren't too bad in the forwards - as you say getting a good Number 8 would be the priority. If Dixon can keep up his performances in the NPC he would be a very valuable addition. Bourke would be a great addition, but I can't see the Chiefs letting him go, and I haven't seen enough of Souness (outside of sevens) to really comment. A couple of strong ball running 8's they should consider are Luamanu who is massive (but still needs to improve his rugby skills) and Nasi Manu (if he's not injured). I was really impressed with Joe Wheeler playing at 8 for Tasman on Saturday night, so he could be another they could target.

 

[alex]

being a cantab... good news

 

[ranger]

I've always felt Robinson looks more comfortable at fullback than a first-five, and they could always swap Slade and Robinson round for certain plays, as Slade is more than capable at fullback. I'm not sure about Bleyendaal backing up at 10. He undoubtedly has the talent to do it, he isn't in the Canterbury NPC squad this year so probably won't get any game time - it would be a tough ask going straight from club / age-grade level straight into Super 14 (Though to be fair I'd be more than happy if he did get picked). I think the Highlanders may try to get Michael Hobbs again - when he isn't injured (which is pretty rare) he actually looks quite comfortable at Super 14 level, and as a bonus can cover second-five. The other player I would target would be Trent Renata - he's always impressed me when I've seen him play, and the Chiefs already have two 10's in there region (Donald and Delany) so he might be available.

I agree that they need to get a powerful mid-field back to complement Ben Smith (and Kenny Lynn who is a very similar player to Smith). If Ngatai was available they should undoubtedly take him, but I have the feeling the Canes will grab him, as their mid-field back up to Nonu and Smith has been depleted with both Ellison and Kawau leaving (and I think Ngatai will really shine this season). I'd also try targeting the likes of Save Tokula and Winston Stanley, who at the moment would both be on the fringes of selections for the Chiefs and Blues.

Sweeney could be a very valuable acquisition, as would Andre Taylor or Kurt Baker. I really rate Taylor, and he would bring the added advantage of being a solid goal-kicker. I like the look of the Auckland winger Pakalani, but I'd like to see how he goes over the whole NPC.

We really aren't too bad in the forwards - as you say getting a good Number 8 would be the priority. If Dixon can keep up his performances in the NPC he would be a very valuable addition. Bourke would be a great addition, but I can't see the Chiefs letting him go, and I haven't seen enough of Souness (outside of sevens) to really comment. A couple of strong ball running 8's they should consider are Luamanu who is massive (but still needs to improve his rugby skills) and Nasi Manu (if he's not injured). I was really impressed with Joe Wheeler playing at 8 for Tasman on Saturday night, so he could be another they could target.

Yeah about Bleyendaal, i didnt mean that he would ever get on the field.. maybe he could sit on the bench against the Lions. I was thinking that the Highlanders should get him in the environment with an eye to snagging him for the next 5 years, the Highlanders really need to take a leaf out of Canterburys book and start grabbing players young. I totally forgot about Hobbs but yeah he would be perfect for the number 21 jersey. I'm not sure about Renata though, hes very talented but hes a bit too flakey for the Highlanders, he seems like a "something from nothing or nothing from something" type player. The Highlanders need the focus of their game to be on having one of the best packs and set pieces in the competition, with backs that don't make mistakes and can finish with the opportunities that get set up for them (as opposed to the Hurricanes who try and gain parity in the forwards and win the game with their backs) But then again if Renata matures during the ITM he could be a good option.

I agree on Winston Stanley, hes the perfect candidate really, the Highlanders should try and sign him up for the next few years if they know whats good for them. I wouldnt be too confident about starting Tokula though, maybe as a utility reserve covering the the midfield and wing spots would be more ideal.

Sweeney is a must have for me, every game so far in the ITM he has shown that hes a class above the players hes around. I really rate Taylor aswell, im not sure what nick sees when he says hes overrated! Hes severely underrated in my mind, with his touch background, good angles and kicking ability he should try moving infield or at least playing more fullback, he struggles for opportunities on the wing. One guy who i think deserves a shot is Ryan Shortland, he runs hard and makes good yardage every outing.
I was impressed with Pakanis agility and ability to beat a man last year aswell, i just dont think he fits the Highlanders tactics though. They already made the mistake of bringing an excitement machine type player in once in Vainikolo, who scored some great tries two years ago, and spent the following years botching them. While on the topic, David Smith will be a free agent and the Highlanders should avoid him like the plague.

And yeah the Highlanders forwards are dominant, they were last year too but the coaching staff didn't take advantage of it. Hopefully Culhanes influence will result in a more Southland-esque gameplan. As for the number 8 situation, I suggested Souness because he one of the most underrated guys around, pure untapped potential. He is inhumanely fit, he hits more rucks in one game than Setefano could hope to get to in 5, you can tell from his sevens game that he is a workhorse, but he work wonders ball in hand, he even played half his 1st XV rugby at centre. Joe Wheeler is definitely another guy they should grab.

A left field option i think the Highlanders should pursue is the Barrett brothers. Their dad played lock for Taranaki and the Hurricanes so they have the genes to grow to 2 metres tall.
Kane Barrett made his schools 1st XV in 4th form, he made the Hurricanes 16s in the same year. He made NZ schools in 6th form and captained them in 7th form, Now hes in the Taranaki team as a 20 year old. Making teams young is impressive, but doing it as a tightforward is amazing. He now covers the 5/6 position in the same style of play as Brad Thorn.
Beuden Barrett is a 1st/2nd 5 that plays sortof like a mix between Andrew Mehrtens and Conrad Smith. He made the NZ sevens team as an 18 year old and is in the Taranaki side at 19.
The best part about this duo is that they have two more brothers at highschool, these guys are the next Whitelocks. If the Highlanders offer these guys contracts now they could be the cornerstone of the franchise for the next 10 years.

 

[cyRil]

Whatever happened to Karne Hesketh? I watched Super Rugby, or may have possibly been NPC match involving the Highlanders/Otago a couple of years ago and he looked an absolute beast. Smashed people up everywhere and scored a cracking hattrick. Was that just a freak one-off?

 

[smartcooky]

Whatever happened to Karne Hesketh?

Gone to Japan to play in the Top League for (Kobelco Steelers I think).



EDIT: Correction. Thats Fukuoka Sanix Blues he plays for

http://translate.google.com/transla....top-league.jp/news/news8062.html&sl=ja&tl=en

 

[ranger]

Whatever happened to Karne Hesketh? I watched Super Rugby, or may have possibly been NPC match involving the Highlanders/Otago a couple of years ago and he looked an absolute beast. Smashed people up everywhere and scored a cracking hattrick. Was that just a freak one-off?

He was pretty **** really. A poor mans David Smith. He looked quick but it was only for 10 or so metres then he slowed down, got absolutely burned on the outside by Hosea Gear in one match

 

[Shaggy]

I'm slightly surprised to see Colin Slade move from the Crusaders - he looked like he was going to be used in the same way that they used Leon MacDonald, and is definitely going to be an asset to the Highlanders. Todd Blackadder said he was the fastest in the team and was playing him on the wing.

I agree that the Highlanders should be targeting the guys from the U20 squad (Ngatai, Star Timu, Savea, Marshall, and Luke Whitelock) for the future.

 

[ranger]

I'm slightly surprised to see Colin Slade move from the Crusaders - he looked like he was going to be used in the same way that they used Leon MacDonald, and is definitely going to be an asset to the Highlanders. Todd Blackadder said he was the fastest in the team and was playing him on the wing.

I agree that the Highlanders should be targeting the guys from the U20 squad (Ngatai, Star Timu, Savea, Marshall, and Luke Whitelock) for the future.

Its not really a suprise at all when you look at the lineup:

9)Ellis
10)Carter
11)Guildford
12)SBW
13)Fruen
14)Matiland
15)Dagg

He pretty much had to move or sit the season out on the bench, he was on the wing 2 years ago but Guildford and Maitland are both better options, Kade Poki would probably be a better bet for wing also.

 

[Shaggy]

Its not really a suprise at all when you look at the lineup:

9)Ellis
10)Carter
11)Guildford
12)SBW
13)Fruen
14)Matiland
15)Dagg

He pretty much had to move or sit the season out on the bench, he was on the wing 2 years ago but Guildford and Maitland are both better options, Kade Poki would probably be a better bet for wing also.

I hear ya Ranger, but the first choice backline doesn't play week in week out, and I thought maybe his versatility might get him some game time ... is Slade in the frame for the end of year All Blacks tour?