Ben Smith sees only good things in Israel Dagg coming back to the Highlanders, despite the Otago fullback showing how talented he is with a sublime performance against Waikato on Saturday.
Smith, who played every game for the Highlanders on the wing this year with Dagg at fullback, set up two tries and scored another in the close loss at Carisbrook.
But Smith looks destined to spend time back on the wing next season, after Dagg confirmed on Saturday he was heading back to the Highlanders from Hawkes Bay.
Smith (23) said having Dagg back in the Highlanders was great.
"It's good news for the Highlanders. I don't mind where I play as long as I'm out on the paddock and helping the guys," he said.
"I'll play wherever I'm needed and I enjoy both positions."
Smith's outstanding form has led to some predicting he may be a bolter for the end-of-year All Black tour, but it may be too early for Smith, especially with a quality queue in front of him.
Dagg (21) considered an offer from the Crusaders but has decided to head back to where he debuted in the Super 14 last season, saying he enjoyed the environment under head coach Glenn Moore.
"The Highlanders is the right choice. I enjoyed my time there last season and enjoy working with Glenn Moore and Peter Russell," Dagg said.
Moore said he was pleased with Dagg's decision.
"The continuity of players, season on season, is hugely important," Moore said.
"Israel is a high quality player who is one of the best fullbacks around. I am delighted he is returning."
Dagg will be loaned back to Hawkes Bay for the national domestic competition.
His decision to stay capped a good week for the Highlanders, who also retained the services of the wavering Jimmy Cowan and Jamie Mackintosh.
The Herald on Sunday yesterday reported the New Zealand Rugby Union, which is taking more of a hands-on role with the struggling Highlanders, had encouraged Cowan and Mackintosh to stay.
"It is not in anyone's best interests for the Highlanders to be losing players right now," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew told the newspaper.
"People from the New Zealand Rugby Union were involved in those discussions. It would have been inappropriate for them not to have been. Did we put more pressure on than we should? No, we didn't.
"Guys will make their own call but we needed to make sure they knew we have just put a director on the Highlanders board.
"We anticipate we can make changes in that environment and we wanted the players to be aware of that.
"There are clearly some issues in the Highlanders. They are not getting enough people to their ground and they are too reliant on the draft.
"I guess if you are an aspiring All Black or even an established All Black and you are in an environment where you are not exposed to a winning culture, you have got to ask the question."
