Rugby: Dagg back in Bay to find top form

Israel Dagg will be hoping to deliver enough quality to be named in the All Blacks World Cup squad.

Could playing for a Hawke's Bay team prove a lucky omen for All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg in a World Cup year yet again?

This question popped up when the All Blacks management announced last night Dagg has been made available to the Magpies for Saturday night's match against Otago in Dunedin, and the following Friday night's game against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe.

The Bay's other All Black, prop Ben Franks, has been given the thumbs up to play in the Pukekohe clash.

In 2011, Dagg sparked his comeback from injury with a match for his Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports club team in a winning Maddison Trophy final against Havelock North. He finished the season as the ABs No1 fullback and a world champion.

This World Cup year it is quality form Dagg needs to win a World Cup berth, not a recovery mission, and playing for the in-form Magpies could prove to be the final fillip required to earn selection in the 31-strong squad on August 30.

Magpies head coach Craig Philpott was naturally delighted to hear of Dagg's and Franks' availability.

"It's always good to have your All Blacks but the flip side is we will only have two trainings to bring Izzy up to speed with everything this week. We all know the bigger picture is all about helping the All Blacks win the World Cup," Philpott said.

Because Dagg has to start and play at least 60 minutes, it will be interesting to see what he does with his existing back three of Zac Guildford, Ryan Tongia and Shannan Chase, all of whom have been in hot form in recent outings for the Magpies.

When it was suggested Guildford would switch from fullback to the left wing, where he has played the bulk of his first class rugby, replacing Chase, Philpott replied: "Not necessarily. We've got a couple of days to work things out."

Dagg has played 44 games for the Magpies and his last was in the 27-21 Ranfurly Shield win against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe last year. Franks has played two games for the Magpies. His last was in a 31-26 victory against Northland in September, 2013.

Philpott has promoted Dagg's Pirate clubmate and Saracens halfback Jonathan Ruru as cover for Chris Eaton, who collected a groin strain in Sunday's 39-10 win against Northland.

A final decision on Eaton's availability for the trip south will be made on Thursday.

Saracens and Clive hooker Jorian Tangaere will cover for Ricky Riccitelli during training this week. Philpott said the ankle is not broken just badly sprained.

Philpott has made no secret of the fact he is desperate for wins on the road this season after recording just one away win last year. "We've lost one game at home in three seasons ... it's time to replicate that record on the road."

-Other All Black squad members released for ITM Cup play:

Week 2: Cory Jane and Jeremy Thrush (for Wellington v North Harbour, Albany, Thursday); Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Liam Messam (for Waikato v Manawatu, Palmerston North, Saturday); Lima Sopoaga (for Southland v Northland, Whangarei, Saturday); Charlie Faumuina and Charles Piutau (for Auckland v Taranaki, Auckland, Sunday); Ryan Crotty Joe Moody, Patrick Osborne and Matt Todd (for Canterbury v Counties Manukau, Sunday).

Week 3: Sam Cane (for Bay of Plenty v Southland, Tauranga, August 26); Cory Jane, Jeremy Thrush and Victor Vito (for Wellington v Northland, Wellington, August 29); Charlie Faumuina and Charles Piutau (for Auckland) and Ryan Crotty Joe Moody, Patrick Osborne and Matt Todd (for Canterbury for their August 29 match in Auckland); Beauden Barrett and James Broadhurst (Taranaki v Otago, New Plymouth, August 29).