Rugby: Dagg puts his best foot forward

Israel Dagg in action during the Rugby Championship test between the All Blacks and Argentina at McLean Park in Napier. Photo / Getty Images

The two All Blacks with the most to gain from tonight's test, Beauden Barrett and Israel Dagg, are entitled to feel pleased with themselves, but only one is likely to start in Wellington next Saturday and probably won't be Barrett.

In his first start in a No 10 jersey at this level, Barrett played well in difficult conditions at McLean Park against a typically obstinate Argentina - goalkicking aside.

But such is the depth Steve Hansen can call on, Barrett will probably be consigned to a bench role next.

One success from five attempts with the boot isn't up to his usual standard, and it could have been costly against a cannier and more skilful opponent. But he played with such pace and confidence elsewhere he should feel pleased with his efforts. He was substituted for Colin Slade just before the hour mark, but probably not for performance-related reasons.

We know about his pace already, and how he can get back to make seemingly impossible defensive plays - last year against South Africa in Johannesburg and his tackle on Wallaby Israel Folau at Eden Park a fortnight ago spring to mind - but his speed on attack has the constant capacity to surprise.

His break and scampering run to get in behind the Pumas defence at McLean Park after the halftime siren were instrumental in Liam Messam's crucial try. Things were getting a bit testy at that stage, but it was another lesson for the improving Argentines - you can't afford to switch off against this mob.

Israel Dagg during the Rugby Championship test between the All Blacks and Argentina at McLean Park. Photo / Getty Images

And perhaps with that elusiveness preying on their minds, the Pumas defence drifted slightly in the next crucial moment, a beautifully-delayed Barrett pass for the charging Julian Savea after the break.

Aaron Cruden, likely to be slotted straight back in against the Boks at Westpac Stadium, has the overall game to remain in front of Barrett as Dan Carter's back-up, but Barrett must be considered one of the best running first-fives in the country. Certainly, he must be the quickest.

This was a pressure-filled test for Dagg, too. Predictably, the hometown boy received the biggest cheer of the night from the crowd after forcing his way back into the No 15 jersey after two tests out in the cold, and the break hasn't done him any harm.

There was no lack of confidence. Crucially, he backed himself and his pace and ran back at the blue-and-white wall with intent. His positional play was excellent as usual. A couple of handling errors apart, it was an excellent return.

The other major string to Dagg's bow, and the thing which might well factor in his re-selection against South Africa, is his kicking game. One clearance, when he scrambled back into his 22m in the second half when the Pumas had a sniff, clearly knocked the stuffing out of the visitors.

Significantly, it was Dagg, rather than Barrett, who kicked penalties for touch and, now he has his confidence and running game back after his niggling knee problem, that kicking power is something the All Blacks probably won't want to be without in the short term.