Israel Dagg is among a number of All Blacks trying to impress the All Blacks selectors in ITM Cup Rugby.
With the World Cup squad named next Sunday, Dagg couldn't have done much more for Hawke's Bay against Otago.
Dagg's biggest asset is his boot. But while the 49-Test fullback carves off territory, Ben Smith's running game appears to be favoured at Test level.
Dagg showed he's no mug though, with a hat trick in Hawke's Bay's 39-22 win over Otago.
"They were just meat pies – just had to catch the ball and go over," says Dagg. "It was actually just good to get some game time."
Specialist first-five Lima Sapoaga is competing with the utility value of Colin Slade and Beauden Barrett. so last night Sapoaga slipped to fullback for Southland.
He also kicked 14 points in a 27-18 win over Northland.
This afternoon, Auckland's Charles Piutau tried to cement a backline spot.
Joe Edwards didn't manage to finish off that break, but Piutau showed off his full range of skills against Taranaki.
In the end 18-year-old sevens star Rieko Ioane made the big play.
It gave Auckland its first win of the season, 30-24.
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