Israel Dagg insists that any thoughts of Scott Robertson being biased can be put to bed following the All Blacks’ squad announcement for the Rugby Championship.
The 50-year-old became New Zealand’s head coach after seven successful seasons at the Crusaders, where he created a dynasty.
There were concerns that Robertson would therefore favour the players he knew when it came to Test selection, but Dagg, who played for the Christchurch outfit between 2011 and 2019, believes that some key omissions will change people’s minds.
‘Saders number eight Christian Lio-Willie has been dropped from the squad, despite starting twice against France, while Ethan Blackadder and David Havili remain out in the cold.
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“It’s devastating [as a player], he (Lio-Willie) will be absolutely gutted. He couldn’t have done anything more. He’s been given a couple of opportunities… so those conversations are always difficult,” Dagg said on Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy show.
“One thing I do love is; we’re giving opportunities and we’re breeding depth in this All Blacks squad.
“You’re putting aside those personal connections that these coaches have with a lot of those Crusaders players. Not only Christian, you’ve got Ethan, you’ve got David Havili and they’re putting those relationships to the side.
“They’re putting the All Blacks to the forefront of their mind and they’re making selections that have to happen and deserve to happen.”
The player who has come in at the expense of Lio-Willie is Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker, who has earned his first All Blacks squad selection.
“Simon Parker has been chomping away for the last couple of years. Only injury has hindered his opportunities and he’s got himself better, he’s got himself back,” Dagg said.
“He played 40 minutes on the weekend, got taken off at half-time and he was banging players.
“He’s had a great season for the Chiefs. At the end of the season, it cost them potentially a title, because he was so influential for that group.
“That combination with Sititi and [Luke] Jacobson, there was nothing better in terms of a loose forward trio in Super Rugby.”
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With Robertson seeing Ardie Savea as their first choice openside and Wallace Sititi likely to be at number eight this year, that leaves the blindside spot available.
Usual lock Tupou Vaa’i shifted to six for the first two French Tests before he missed the third with concussion, but Parker could well be the long-term answer in that position.
“I love that inclusion. If you remember last year, an All Blacks XV played Georgia and he was a standout,” Dagg added.
“This coaching group is looking for a player that is an enforcer, makes tackles – I think he was operating at 97 per cent tackle efficiency in Super Rugby – and he’s a brute. The game is ever-evolving. It’s a power, speed game; he’s mobile and he can get around the park.
“It’s also great to see Peter Lakai back as well.”