1
Ex-All Black Israel Dagg reveals how opposition players 'absolutely hate the Crusaders'
By Online Editors
Former Crusaders star Israel Dagg has revealed how New Zealand players throughout Super Rugby have a particular dislike for the most successful franchise in the competition's history.
Speaking on Sky Sports UK's Will Greenwood Podcast, the 66-test All Black turned television pundit claimed “people have something against” the Christchurch club, who have won 10 titles in Super Rugby's 25-year history.
"I know playing other teams and talking to players from other teams - I'd have a lot of friends in other teams - they absolutely hate the Crusaders,” Dagg said when discussing the revamped Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.
"They never say why, but they just hate them with a passion. People have something against them, so they will come out full guns blazing.
"But the Crusaders are the side to beat."
The Crusaders enjoyed a bye week in the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa last weekend, and used their off-week to host an internal squad match at Orangetheory Stadium to get their players up to speed physically and tactically.
Despite victories to the Highlanders and Blues in the competition's opening weekend, Dagg had no reservations about labelling the Crusaders as favourites to win a fourth consecutive title under head coach Scott Robertson.
"They have to be favourites and the team to beat, and not just because I played for them and my heart lies with them,” Dagg, who originally turned out for the Highlanders for two seasons before switching to the Crusaders in 2011, said.
"I think before the lockdown, they know what it takes to win and how to win championship matches - that's what these games are going to be like.
"They've got the squad to do the deeds. They've got a back-line which is a Ferrari and a forward pack which is a Rolls Royce - they've got it all.”
The Crusaders will face the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Sunday in their first match of the competition, as both teams eye up their first win of the new season.
In the week's other fixture, the Blues will look to build on their 30-20 victory over the Hurricanes toe days ago when they travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs, who lost to the Highlanders by one point at the death on Saturday, at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' weaknesses
3
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy
4
Scotland's Sione Tuipulotu admits anger at Australian rugby
5
Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to comments