Rugby: Dagg back to best as ABs romp home again

All Blacks first five-eighth Beauden Barrett muscles his way over the line in the tackle of his...
All Blacks first five-eighth Beauden Barrett muscles his way over the line in the tackle of his Wales counterpart, Dan Biggar, during the third test at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night. Helping Barrett is winger Ben Smith and captain...

Everyone loves enjoying success and Israel Dagg is no exception.

Dagg was at his mercurial best on Saturday night, the All Black fullback a major factor in the All Blacks' big 46-6 win over Wales at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

He was a completely different man than the one who cried off last year following a run of bad form and injury.

Dagg, who scored an 85m runaway try in the last movement of the game, said his improvement this year could be put down to just enjoyment.

"I just really enjoyed it. It is always good playing under the roof with the dry ball. You get plenty of opportunities,'' he said.

"I have just really enjoyed my footy and stayed calm in the head . . . just do what is best for the team. If the ball goes in the air I've just got to take it. Just nailing my role really.

"I'm just very grateful to be given another opportunity in this jersey.

"‘Obviously, Bender [Ben Smith] is a great fullback and there is a great competition within the team . . . but we are all one.

"We are just prepared to play anywhere. There are what ifs in every game. We talk a lot of rubbish back there but as long as we are connected and look at each other in the eye we can help each other.''

Dagg (28) did not make a great start to the game, getting in the way of winger Julian Savea when fielding a high ball.

But that was his only blemish as he showed a nose for the gap and helped the side to a big win, after it led 18-6 at the break.

Smith scored the first try for the All Blacks, though it was a debatable one.

He went over in the corner after 18 minutes with the ball hitting the tryline and his knee hitting the sideline at the same time.

It was tight but the All Black got the nod. He then made a lightning break before centre George Moala knocked the ball on when trying to score.

Moala, though, scored five minutes later when Dagg carved up the middle and the ball eventually went to the right and Moala burrowed his way over.

Wales was showing tame resistance and Beauden Barrett then scored two tries in the opening 15 minutes of the second half.

First he barged the ball up directly off a scrum and then showed his pace to find a gap.

Hooker Dane Coles then took a nice short ball to score after 62 minutes while Dagg wrapped it all up.

Barrett helped himself to 26 points and was a star along with Dagg, while up front Coles and lock Brodie Retallick were busy.

Wales had little to offer and had one foot on the plane.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was disappointed with the result and felt the side needed to score more before halftime.

The All Black back three caused it huge problems, he said.

 


All Blacks v Wales
The scores

All Blacks           46

Beauden Barrett 2, Ben Smith, George Moala, Dane Coles, Israel Dagg tries; Barrett 5 con, 2 pen

Wales                  6

Dan Biggar 2 penHalftime: 18-6

Crowd: 28,726


 

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