All Blacks fullback to be a centre?

Israel Dagg, currently the All Blacks incumbent fullback, could feature for the Crusaders this season in the midfield, after his trial sighting in the centres was confirmed not to be some wild experiment.

The Crusaders have struggled to unearth a consistent centre since Casey Laulala, and while blockbusting Robbie Fruean has had a solid grip on the midfield, one wonders if Dagg's potential switch to centre is to supply the seven-time champions with more flair in the centres.

This comes from a man himself who was regarded as the brains behind multiple Crusaders Investec Super Rugby backlines in attack coach Aaron Mauger.

Mauger, promoted to assistant coach at the Crusaders last year, told Fairfax Media he thought Dagg had the goods.

"I look at 'Izzy' and I think he could be an outstanding 13," Mauger said.

"Obviously he is a world-class fullback but it would be good for him to be able to play in another couple of positions. He can already play on the wing and he could give us a little bit at centre as well."

Dagg, who played centre back in his school days, did admit custodian was his preferred position.

"I really want to play fullback, that is my position and I love it," Dagg said.

"But I will just play wherever the team wants me."

"It is a lot different to fullback, you have to worry about a lot of things around you. It is just getting that confidence - you get the ball in your hands a lot there and that is what I love."

While Fruean has grown as a player, top level backlines and midfields often have a 'general' often assisting the first five-eighth in general play.

Mauger said Dagg's potential switch gave them more options.

"It could give us a horses-for-courses approach," he said.

"Some guys might give us better options in certain jerseys in certain opposition. With Izzy's rugby ability I am certain he would go well in that jersey if required."

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