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'Don't you ever do that again' - Dagg's 2010 ripping out in front of team
Former All Blacks back Israel Dagg has broken down his 2010 match-winner for New Zealand against South Africa in Soweto in the Rugby Championship.
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Dagg scored a late winning try as the All Blacks beat the Springboks in front of 98,000 people in Soccer City, one of the All Blacks’ most impressive victories.
Dagg was telling the story ahead of the upcoming Rugby Championship opener between the Boks and All Blacks in Nelspruit on Saturday.
“I remember that game. The one you alluded to is one I got in trouble. Soccer City in front of 98,000. We’re losing, I think by two tries in the last five minutes.
“Richie McCaw had a freakish finish in the right hand corner. Three South African defenders against Richie McCaw, our openside flanker, who has a big heart but finesse? Finishing? You know… a bit questionable. But how about that finish? It was so good.
“He scores in the corner. They went upstairs. It was touch and go but they awarded the try.”
After the restart the Springboks had possession when a huge hit by All Blacks hooker Kevin Mealamu on centre Jean De Villiers saw the All Blacks win a turnover.
“We counter ruck and you watch Nigel Owens – he’s reffing – and he’s about to penalise us. Then he doesn’t and we’re thankful he doesn’t.
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“We blow over. Mil Muliaina gets the balls and throws it to Ma’a Nonu.
“You’ve got John Smit, poor John Smit. Playing his 100th Test for South Africa, goes to tackle Ma’a. He holds onto his leg but pulls his boot off, so Ma’a is running down the field with one boot.
“Mils is on the inside, I’m on the outside. I managed to just get in front of my winger to get into a good support line and Ma’a looks inside and goes ‘Nah, not Milsy’, looks out, sees me. I’m a young, 21-year-old, excited, thinking about the after-party, where we’re going. Catch this ball, I’m running, and looking around ‘This is pretty cool! 98,000 people. I’m the man here, let’s go!”
“So I start [raises arm in the air], chahooing and then I’m like ‘Wow, I better put the ball down here’.
Dagg put it down with just a couple of inches to spare and the All Blacks won the game. Yet despite winning the game for New Zealand with his 79th minute try, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen wasn’t at all happy with his young charge after the game.
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“And then we get back in the changing room and we’re all on top of the world. We’ve just come back from nowhere to win in South Africa. We’re sitting there having a nice quiet Steinlager with the boys and we’re chipping away. Then Steve Hansen walks in. ‘How you going boys?’.
Hansen then turns to Dagg: “Don’t you ever do that again” and I’m like what? “Don’t you ever celebrate before you put the ball down.”
“I’m like ‘Sorry coach. It’s all good’ And he walks off and I go to Cory Jane and go ‘Doesn’t he know I just won us the game?’
“CJ being Cory just gets up and goes ‘Awh! He just said he won us the game!’ And Steve looks around and looks all angry and I go ‘CJ you bloody…’. It was CJ being CJ, always got to have a laugh.
“Steve rips me out in front of the team and then I just have a little laugh and CJ throws me under bus, so that’s my memory!
Absolute gold from Izzy ?
Israel Dagg breaks down his 2010 match winner in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/eMso56V26t
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 30, 2022
“Tell you what kids, you at home, if you’re about to score a try: Put it down with two hands and never ever celebrate before you score the try.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Not good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to comments