Rugby: Fullback shows why ABs can't ignore him

Magpies lock Michael Allardice barges over for his try from a lineout drive. Photo / Otago Daily Times

Otago 22 Magpies 39 Dunedin

Another one of those displays Izzy and it will be a criminal offence if All Blacks coach Steve Hansen doesn't include you in his World Cup squad.

If Hansen had any doubts about Magpies fullback Israel Dagg's World Cup credentials, Dagg went a long way to eliminating them with his player-of-the-match performance as the Magpies beat Otago 39-22 in Saturday night's second round ITM Cup clash in Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Dagg was eager for work, scoring three tries off at least a dozen carries, was safe under the high ball, produced accurate booming punts and his conversion of centre Richard Buckman's try from out wide was a gentle reminder he could be a goalkicking option if required when the World Cup squad is named on Sunday.

Dagg will get another opportunity to enhance his credentials with his second outing of the season for the Magpies against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe on Friday night. Magpies head coach Craig Philpott said Dagg was a calming influence on the side.

"Izzy relished his opportunities but I'm sure he will be a bit disappointed about missing a fourth try."

The Magpies' first half effort wasn't as dominant as it should have been and the visitors led 10-5 as they entered the sheds for a few stern words from Philpott and his assistant Danny Lee.

"We said a few things. We called for better ball security on the carry and for the first player arriving at the breakdown to be more accurate and clinical as the Otago players were gaining access to the ball too easily.

"We also reminded the boys they were playing too much footy in our own half and they will see a lot more opportunities if they were more patient," Philpott recalled.

His troops responded in admirable fashion and reproduced some of the form displayed in the previous weekend's Ranfurly Shield defence against Northland as they ran in five second half tries including Dagg's hattrick.

The bigger Hawke's Bay forwards enjoyed long periods of dominance.

Flanker Tony Lamborn again pushed his case for Super selection. In his second Cup starting XV appearance in two seasons, halfback Ellery Wilson distributed well.

First five-eighth Ihaia West will be disappointed with his three misses at goal but he more than compensated with his general play including the pace he displayed on the way to his solo try which extinguished the faint hopes the Razorbacks had of a comeback.

Magpies captain and No8 Brendon O'Connor agreed the Razorbacks had more energy and passion in the first half.

"We failed to react. I was happy with our second half when we held on to the ball longer, didn't push the pass and put the boys into space."

This was the Magpies' sixth consecutive win against Otago and O'Connor acknowledged the importance of winning their first away match of the season as the Magpies had previously only recorded four away wins in three seasons.

It was pleasing to see all eight Magpies subs get plenty of game time. Hooker Jorian Tangaere and halfback Jonathan Ruru experienced winning Cup debuts.

Otago captain and hooker Liam Coltman admitted his team's first 50 minutes was good.

"We have to learn to play for 80 minutes particularly against teams like Hawke's Bay with their killer back three," he said referring to Dagg and wingers Zac Guildford and Ryan Tongia.

Otago's defensive line speed in the first half was impressive.

Lock Josh Dickson was outstanding and No 8 Mikaele Mafi made some memorable tackles.

A better start and more authority during the final minutes will be priorities for the Magpies as they prepare for the trip to Pukekohe.