Damian Mckenzie
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A poor man's Ben Blair......
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<p>Hansen is picking him, as far as I'm concerned after listening to that interview. Maybe just a squad player for now, but I definitely got a 'just trying to figure out what to do with him' vibe.</p>
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<p>He'd have a helluva time trying to get that utility jersey of Barrett though. I don't think we've ever seen such a consistent high impact player. Barrett won't be happy with that bench spot forever though.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="antipodean" data-cid="567886" data-time="1459151137">
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<p>Naholo will be back for the June tour. No one in their right mind is looking for a 4'8" winger who weighs less than most school kids.</p>
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<p>smith on the wing with another fullback had been the talk if no naholo</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="kiwiinmelb" data-cid="567926" data-time="1459185748"><p>smith on the wing with another fullback had been the talk if no naholo</p></blockquote><br>And that's most likely. The fullback would be the interesting question. Certainly not Visinia who has no idea where to stand as a fullback. If you can't cement a starting sport you won't be getting anywhere so that rules out the current Crusaders options which leaves us with Marshall who is playing well for the Canes and McKenzie.<br><br>Personally I'd select Beauden.
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<p>If Dagg, Naholo, NMS aren't available then I would also start Barrett. Then its a decision between one of the specialist 10s (Cruden or Lima) or a guy like D Mac for the bench.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="ACT Crusader" data-cid="568028" data-time="1459215252">
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<p>If Dagg, Naholo, NMS aren't available then I would also start Barrett. Then its a decision between one of the specialist 10s (Cruden or Lima) or a guy like D Mac for the bench.</p>
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<p>And that is a proven combination now , just depends how much they like saving barrett for the finishing role </p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Toddy" data-cid="568042" data-time="1459217152">
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<p>More like Orene Ai'i then?</p>
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<p>Sheesh, who would have thought Blair would have had so many knights out there?</p>
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<p>I must admit though I do feel sorry for him when ever I watch highlights of that final ... I'd want to string him up if it was my team though.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="568125" data-time="1459233369">
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<p>Sheesh, who would have thought Blair would have had so many knights out there?</p>
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<p>I must admit though I do feel sorry for him when ever I watch highlights of that final ... I'd want to string him up if it was my team though.</p>
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<p>The 2002 test vs England was another personal lowlight for Blair when he got bundled into touch at the end.</p> -
<p>I did a quick google to find out what happened to Blair. Sad to see that knee problems got the better of him and he had to retire from rugby a bit prematurely.</p>
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<p>I also saw this... </p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href=' -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="568288" data-time="1459286796">
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<p>I always thought Ben Blair should have converted himself to a 10. Had the skills to do it, his acceleration would have been deadly and his size less of an issue. </p>
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<p>Move him to halfback and size would never have been an issue.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="568288" data-time="1459286796">
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<p>I always thought Ben Blair should have converted himself to a 10. Had the skills to do it, his acceleration would have been deadly and his size less of an issue. </p>
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<p>Agree, although there was a bit of a logjam at Canterbury during his time there. He did however manage to play the odd game at 10 during his career </p> -
<p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/mdsDCYz.png" alt="mdsDCYz.png"></p>
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If his form continues I think it will a formality for Hansen to move smith to 14 and slot McKenzie in at 15. <br><br>
Given NMS out, unless Dagg has the mother of all comebacks, the only other options I see are playing Barrett at 15 or taking another punt on Naholo at 14 and keeping Smith at 15. <br><br>
It will be also interesting to see whether Savea gets a free pass onto the left wing. -
<p>The overseas clubs will be very interested in DMacs form mainly because they should be able to bid a little lower for Dagg. Can see Izzy and Daisy having an OE soon unless there are a spate of injuries.</p>
<p>I heard an interview with Gilbert Enoka on the weekend and he was mentioning some of how they deal with dropped 'family members' from the ABs. He obviously didn't talk detail but I got the impression that Dagg was pretty cut up about being dropped and will be giving things a shot to get back. How long he will keep trying is anyone's guess.</p> -
<p>On a different topic, those stats above show a hint of why the Chiefs are the best attacking team in the comp. With both DMac and Cruden taking the ball at first receiver they are also very high up in clean breaks meaning they are running the ball more.</p>
<p>Take note Mr West from the Blues. If you want to use your firepower and talent in the backline you have to run yourself as well.</p> -
I don't like the way everyone beats up on Dagg. He has clearly been superseded by Smith but I thought it was commendable he turned down his "get-out" clause and extended his contract by a season. He will probably need injuries to others to get back but I'm not writing him off just yet. Especially if someone like Barret up sticks which I'm sort of expecting given I think "bench impact" is going to be his ceiling.
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Crucial" data-cid="569668" data-time="1459713385">
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<p>The overseas clubs will be very interested in DMacs form mainly because they should be able to bid a little lower for Dagg. Can see Izzy and Daisy having an OE soon unless there are a spate of injuries.</p>
<p>I heard an interview with Gilbert Enoka on the weekend and he was mentioning some of how they deal with dropped 'family members' from the ABs. He obviously didn't talk detail but I got the impression that Dagg was pretty cut up about being dropped and will be giving things a shot to get back. How long he will keep trying is anyone's guess.</p>
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<p>Not THAT much guesswork involved . . . </p>
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<div>Israel Dagg is sticking around New Zealand for the foreseeable future.</div>
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<div>The 49-test All Blacks fullback wasn't required for the recent Rugby World Cup triumph in the United Kingdom, and did tweet afterwards suggesting his international journey was over.</div>
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<div>However, Dagg has moved to rid his contract of an out-clause for 2016, and promises to be around until 2017.</div>
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<div>"I've terminated my out clause for this year and I'm going to be around until at least 2017.</div>
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<div><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/76195754/Israel-Dagg-removes-out-clause-from-New-Zealand-Rugby-contract'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/76195754/Israel-Dagg-removes-out-clause-from-New-Zealand-Rugby-contract</a></div> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Billy Tell" data-cid="569671" data-time="1459714290">
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<p>I don't like the way everyone beats up on Dagg. He has clearly been superseded by Smith but I thought it was commendable he turned down his "get-out" clause and extended his contract by a season. He will probably need injuries to others to get back but I'm not writing him off just yet. Especially if someone like Barret up sticks which I'm sort of expecting given I think "bench impact" is going to be his ceiling.</p>
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<p>Watched Dagg play club rugby on the weekend, he looked sharp</p>
