Gallaher Cup - New Zealand v France
Israel Dagg appreciates faith of selectors
June 7, 2013
New Zealand's Israel Dagg races away to score, New Zealand v South Africa, Rugby Championship, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, September 15, 2012
'I've just got to go out there, relax and do my job," Israel Dagg says © Getty Images
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Israel Dagg will be looking to get an early touch of the ball in the first Gallaher Cup Test against France at Eden Park on Saturday, believing the completing of the right option will give him the confidence that has been lacking in his appearances for the Crusaders in Super Rugby this year.

Dagg expects to see plenty of ball going his way through the air, with pre-series intelligence suggesting France's inside backs will launch a wealth of high balls for the All Blacks' back three. The All Blacks fullback has played France twice before, including in the Rugby World Cup 2011 final at Eden Park, and he expects the Gallaher Cup series to be "a big test for New Zealand, and for the All Blacks".

"I guess they are pretty similar to us," Dagg said of France. "They like to throw the ball around and they are a whole new outfit when the play the All Blacks. You can plan and organise all week to play them then they can come out and throw different moves and things like that. As a unit we've just got to be on our toes and ready for anything."

Dagg said the side had been working on the advance in their game plan and it would be very exciting. "A few of the guys are going to be pretty tired, but that's what we want with everyone working hard. It's going to be good."

Dagg said he was "stoked" to be back in the All Blacks environment, appreciating the faith shown in him by selectors given his form concerns with the Crusaders. "It's been awesome that they know what I'm capable of doing and creating so I've just got to go out there this weekend and prove them right and just do my roles and not over-think and not go out there and over-do it," he said.

Dagg felt he might have been guilty of trying to push things and trying too hard with his Super Rugby side. "I've just got to go out there, relax and do my job."

© Sportal

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