Israel, who did not attend the last All Black test to be played at McLean Park in 1996 because he was living in Frasertown, said playing in a test at his home ground was something he had dreamed about for a long time.
"You're always worried you may not be picked. Now I have, I have to get on with the job. It's good to have my strength back in my legs. My knee lost a bit of strength but the work I've done in the gym has paid off," Israel said yesterday.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster gave Dagg the heads up on Monday about the start and he told his grandfather on Tuesday. His other grandfather, Henare Nukutarawhiti, who has also yet to watch the Magpie live in a test, will only attend the match if the weather conditions are spectator friendly.
Dagg's selection is one of three changes head coach Steve Hansen has made to his starting XV.
Hurricane Beauden Barrett replaces the injured Aaron Cruden at first five-eighth, and second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu returns from his shoulder injury to replace the injured Ryan Crotty.
Hansen said: "Izzy needed an opportunity. He is a world-class player and excited about playing in his home environment.
"We should get a big performance from him.
"At the same time, I must make it clear Izzy's selection is not a reflection on Cory Jane's play, as we have been very happy with his performances."
Dagg's Magpies teammate, prop Ben Franks, is again on the ABs subs bench and, if he takes the field, it will be his 200th first-class game.
All Blacks No8 Kieran Read, a Crusaders teammate of Dagg, said he was stoked for him to have the opportunity to play in front of family and friends.
Read pointed out Dagg had not been too much different from his usual self when not in the playing 23.
"Izzy has been working hard and keeping a smile on his face," he said.
Read stressed the need for the All Blacks forward pack to step up, particularly at scrum time, to "take on the beast Argentina is".
When explaining the decision to send Auckland prop Charlie Faumuina back to the Auckland ITM Cup side, Hansen said he was not scrummaging well enough and was not fit enough.
He added injured first five-eighth Dan Carter was progressing well and, if he does not make the squad for the away trip to Argentina on September 27, he will play ITM Cup that weekend.
Barrett has happy memories of McLean Park
Here's some simple advice for All Black first five-eighth Beauden Barrett ... repeat your last game at McLean Park.
"You want more of the same. Hopefully I can," Barrett said when confirmed yesterday as the ABs starting No 10 for tomorrow night's test against the Pumas.
In his last outing at Hawke's Bay rugby's HQ in April Barrett produced a player-of-the-match performance for the Hurricanes in a 25-20 win against the Bulls. His 100 per cent goalkicking haul included six penalties and a conversion.
Barrett, 23, said he was stoked to be getting a start in his preferred pivot role.
"It's something I've been waiting for for a long time. I had a bit of a grin when I first heard the news."
Taranaki's favourite son has started twice previously in his 21-test career, but both times at fullback, against Italy in 2012 and Japan last year.
"It's easier on the nerves to be starting. It's great to be able to finish the haka and start playing straight away," Barrett said.
While he hasn't played a lot outside ABs halfback Aaron Smith, Barrett, said the Highlander was world class.
Barrett will be one of four 2015 Hurricanes in the ABs' backline.
"Not too bad at all," Hurricanes and All Black wing Julian Savea said.
He pointed out the ABs' back three was prepared for whatever approach the Pumas wanted to adopt.
"Obviously we would love the ball to be kicked to us," he added.
Barrett's father and former Hurricanes and Taranaki loosie, Kevin, won't make the trip to Napier because of calving duties on his Opunake farm.
