Dagg nears full fitness

Crusaders assistant backs coach Brad Mooar says All Blacks full-back Israel Dagg is close to a return from injury.

Dagg hasn’t played for the Crusaders since damaging his knee in their round three match against the Reds in Brisbane on March 11.

The 28-year-old was forced to go under the knife but is now nearing full match fitness as the ‘Saders gear up for a big Kiwi derby
against the Hurricanes on Saturday.

However, Mooar admits it would be difficult to leave out one of their current starting backline players as all of them have contributed
to a devastating attack this season.

“We are not 100 per cent sure … of whether he is ready to play or not,” Mooar told Stuff. “But who would you leave out?

“It is going to be great to see him coming back, and Jone Macilai also played for University after a long rehab for his knee.

“It will be great to see those guys bouncing around the training field again and sticking their hands up.”

Meanwhile, Mooar has praised his side’s attacking kicking game as well as their ability to win numerous turnovers in the wake of
the 62-24 demolition of the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

“The guys were really keen to keep the tempo up in the game, and enjoy the experience,” said Mooar.

“We wanted to move them (the Bulls) around, keep the game moving and not allow it to slow down. It was certainly part of the plan.

“What was so enjoyable was seeing the side take the options off the opposition.

“A number of tries came off attacking kicks into space, and there was lot of pressure in defence that resulted in turnovers.”