Rugby: Magpie finds spark again

Israel Dagg, who plans to marry fiancee Daisy Aitken soon, has grappled with his injury demons this year.

As this most challenging of years for Israel Dagg draws to a close, the prospect of a decent break appeals, as does his impending marriage to fiancee Daisy Aitken.

Lurking in the background, too, is next year's World Cup. His short-term goals revolve around keeping his fullback spot from the clutches of Ben Smith for the tests against England, Scotland and Wales on this Northern tour, but for him there is no denying the bigger prize of playing in the global tournament in England and Wales, now less than 12 months away.

A complicating factor is his knee issue - a patella problem in both legs which calls for extra work in the gym alongside trainer Nic Gill.

The injuries affected his form for the Crusaders this season and also the All Blacks, with coach Steve Hansen forced to rest him for the last two tests against England in New Zealand in June - which allowed Smith to shine in the No 15 jersey - plus the first two Bledisloe Cup tests against Australia.

The Hawke's Bay Magpie's spark appears to be returning, though. He ran with confidence and pace against the USA Eagles in Chicago, scoring a try in the process, and as a lover of the big stage there is excitement in his voice when contemplating a return to Twickenham on Sunday (NZT).

"It's a great place to play - it's the home of rugby and there's always a vocal crowd," he said. "As a kid growing up I always wanted to play there and test myself and I've been lucky enough to do so a few times."

Reflecting on his injury problems, which have clearly affected his confidence, the 26-year-old, who has played 45 tests since making his debut in 2010, said: "It's been one of the most challenging years of my career. It's been tough but I've got to dig deep and that's what I've been doing - keeping that confidence and trying to get better.

"My fitness has been good [recently] - I've been working hard with Gilly in the gym trying to get strength and power into my legs. With my knees, my patellas, it's quite hard to get strength there ... but we're getting there and the body is feeling good."

Dagg was tight-lipped about his impending nuptials, saying only that he'd be getting married soon and honeymooning for a couple of weeks, before focusing on the Crusaders' 2015 season in order to keep pushing his case for higher honours.

"For me it's the bigger picture and that's next year. I'm keen to get my body right so I can start well in February for Super Rugby. I'll have a couple of weeks off relaxing and enjoying it and then look forward to trying to make the World Cup squad."

The ex-Lindisfarne College pupil's return from injury this year - at McLean Park, Napier, against Argentina in September - was a special one for Dagg, who is determined to chalk up a few more highlights before the year is out both on and off the paddock. NZME.