World Cup sensation Israel Dagg played down suggestions he has overtaken Mils Muliaina as the All Blacks’ top fullback despite a try-scoring, man-of-the-match outing against France which delighted his coach.
Dagg linked with Dan Carter for the hosts’ third try and stepped past the French defence to secure the bonus-point fourth score in New Zealand’s 37-17 win on Saturday, making it four tries in two World Cup outings.
The nine-Test rookie appeared to have cemented a starting spot ahead of the veteran Muliaina, who has 98 All Blacks appearances – and looked on as captain Richie McCaw was feted for reaching a record 100 caps for New Zealand.
But Dagg, 23, denied he was coach Graham Henry’s automatic choice and backed “legend” Muliaina to achieve the Test century milestone.
“I felt a wee bit of pressure, definitely. There’s always that little bit of tension but I just had to go out there and play well,” he said.
“Of course I want to see him get his 100. He’s a big part of the All Blacks and he’s a bit of legend in the game. I wouldn’t say I’m number one.”
Henry admitted he had wrestled with the decision to leave out the faithful Muliaina, 31, but he was in no doubt about the impact of the “dynamic” Dagg.
“He is the form fullback. He was dynamic most of the night and he scored a couple of great tries, too,” Henry said.
Centre Conrad Smith also won praise from Henry alongside the game-breaking Ma’a Nonu, while Piri Weepu excelled at scrumhalf.
Replacement scrum-half Andy Ellis warned that New Zealand would lift their intensity again next week against Canada, as they aim to finish Pool A with four wins and head into a likely quarter-final against Argentina.
“Step up each time. That’s what we did. We are going to lift up again for next week,” Ellis said.
All Blacks wing Richard Kahui will miss next week’s game against Canada after injuring his hamstring in the win against France.
Kahui, who was replaced by Colin Slade in the second half will sit out next Sunday’s clash in Wellington as a precaution.
The 26-year-old wing was the All Blacks’ main injury worry with Dagg, Cory Jane and Adam Thomson all likely to shrug off minor knocks.
“Richard Kahui is unfortunately the bloke who probably won’t play. Not a serious hamstring but as a precaution we’ll probably not pick him. We’ll give him the week off and make sure he’s dead right,” assistant coach Steve Hansen said.
Hansen had “pretty good news” on the other players with winger Jane apparently recovered from a head-knock and Dagg and Thomson also likely to be available next week despite a bruised thigh and rolled ankle respectively.
Meanwhile, All Blacks sent their best wishes for legendary wing Jonah Lomu to make a quick recovery after he was hospitalised with a kidney problem.
Hansen said the team’s thoughts were with the World Cup great, who is in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital’s kidney ward, according to reports.
“Our thoughts are with the big fella and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery,” Hansen said.
Lomu was diagnosed with the kidney disorder nephrotic syndrome in 1995 and in 2004 he received a kidney transplant with the donor being New Zealand radio announcer Grant Kereama.
