Israel Dagg's Time On The Sidelines Is Almost Over

The road back to the top could begin his week for Israel Dagg.

He's in line to make his first appearance of the Super Rugby season for the Crusaders this Friday night, after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered while playing for Hawke's Bay last year.

The injury came not long after he missed out on selection in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said Dagg has maintained an extremely positive frame of mind. He said Dagg was a different man at the start of the year and has had some good conversations with the All Blacks coach.

Blackadder said Dagg has trained with the team and had 30 minutes of club rugby. He said it would have been a big ask for him to come back without having trained with the team.

Todd Blackadder said both Marty McKenzie and Robbie Fruean are close to returning as well.

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