Ross Karl: All Blacks backs where they should be?

Israel Dagg and Ben Smith (Getty file)
Israel Dagg and Ben Smith (Getty file)

Let me start by saying this is not a criticism, just my take on who plays fullback for the All Blacks. It’s tough to criticise Steve Hansen’s selections because his teams win. 

I’m a big fan of last week’s model with Israel Dagg at 15 and Ben Smith on the wing.

That’s what makes the pair switching around for this week’s second Bledisloe Test so interesting. It’ll be a major talking point at this afternoon’s media conference with Hansen.

For me it comes down to two things - Ben Smith’s superb finishing ability and Israel Dagg’s kicking.

Smith is a dangerous fullback. Many kiwi rugby fans feel he’s the best in the world. I’ve always preferred him creating or finishing tries on the wing. He makes dotting down in hard situations look so easy with his step and swerve. It’s incredibly valuable in tests, when opportunities are usually so limited. 

Smith is a try scorer. Few are as blessed at it as he is. Teams create more chances for wingers to score than fullbacks, so I like having your best finishers there. He’s scored three tries in 15 starts at fullback and 18 in 27 starts on the wing.

Smith’s aerial abilities are probably as useful on the wing chasing Aaron Smith’s pinpoint box-kicks and Beauden Barrett’s cross kicks as going up for bombs from fullback.

I also like the roaming commission he has out wide, without the structural responsibilities of fullback.

My argument for Dagg at fullback revolves around his boot. It’s the best there is from the back.

When he’s at fullback the All Blacks seem to play at the right end of the park. He kicks long and finds grass, or the sideline. He wins territorial battles. From there New Zealand’s amazing defensive lineout can steal ball and set up tries for Smith or Savea on the edges.

Dagg also showed against Wales how valuable he is at setting up counter attack and chiming into the line and creating space. He has rediscovered his attacking mojo.

Both are world class and the team probably doesn’t suffer either way, but I like Dagg and 15 and Smith at 14.

Newshub.