Israel Dagg had worried if he would play another Test © Getty Images

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Israel Dagg and Hawke's Bay won the Ranfurly Shield last weekend © Getty Images

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Two days after embracing his Hawke's Bay team-mates as they lifted the Ranfurly Shield, Israel Dagg was dishing out the man-hugs again. This time, the man on the receiving end was All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster after telling the 26-year-old that he would start against Argentina on his home turf of McLean Park.

The pair had been lying on sofas at the team hotel - evidently Dagg is more relaxed when he's flat out - when Foster gave him the good news on Monday night. "I got up and gave him a hug," Dagg said. Dagg has been absent from the All Blacks since a knee injury forced him to miss the second Test against England in June, Ben Smith's stellar form leaving him on the sidelines and fearful of regaining a place in the side.

"You're always worried when you're not selected," Dagg said. "The coaches have given me an opportunity this weekend that I'm very grateful for, and hopefully I can repay their selection."

Dagg will play in front of his family in just the second Test played in Napier, and coach Steve Hansen hopes it will bring the best out in the game-breaker.

"We felt that Dagg needed an opportunity," Hansen said.

"He's been working hard and we know he's a world-class player so here's an opportunity for him to play in an environment where he should be really excited and we should get a good performance from him. People get excited playing on their home track, especially a place like Hawkes Bay where you don't get a lot of test rugby. He's just come off playing for the Shield and winning that, so he's in a good mental space."

The former Lindisfarne College student, who made his debut for Hawke's Bay while still at school, is excited to be running out in front of friends and family. "It's very special. It's something I've been dreaming of for a long time."