Dagg and Guildford to Crusaders for 2010

[Jethro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

The Crusaders are poised to snap up young Hawke's Bay backline stars Zac Guildford and Israel Dagg to ease their back-three worries ahead of next season's Super 14, according to a radio report.

Radio Sport are reporting that the Crusaders are close to signing the duo, rated among the crème of the crop of New Zealand's young backline talent. The deal would be one of those sign-and-loan-back agreements that would see the pair then return to their home province for next year's revamped Air NZ Cup.

The Crusaders are certainly in the market for some quality outside backs for next year's campaign, after losing fullback Leon MacDonald back to Japan and with no guarantee they can lure back utility Jared Payne from the Blues region after he was picked up in the draft this year.

The Crusaders do have some promising players within their region, but appear short of genuine quality and pace on the wing and at the back. Sean Maitland, Adam Whitelock and James Paterson have been covering the wing for Canterbury this provincial season, while utility Colin Slade has been used at fullback. James Kamana and Blair Cook have been playing on the wing for Tasman, while Kade Poki has shifted to centre this season.

Dagg is rated a potential All Black fullback in the making, with genuine pace, a strong running game and solid defensive skills. He was a draft player for the Highlanders last year, but would regard a shift to perennial title contenders the Crusaders as a positive career move.

Guildford, a star of the world title-winning New Zealand under-20 team, played for the Hurricanes this year, but had to battle Hosea Gear, David Smith, Tamati Ellison and even Cory Jane for game time. He would likewise be enticed by the prospect of playing in a backline sparked by Dan Carter who will be back in the red and black colours for next year's campaign.

Dagg and Guildford are currently two of the more influential figures for Hawke's Bay in the Air NZ Cup. The Magpies have two wins and a draw from five matches and lie mid-table after a 28-26 home victory over Tasman at the weekend.[/b]

The Evil empire not producing outside backs at the moment?

Does this mean I have to support the Crusaders :huh: Well that's Bay talent spread between three franchises now.

 

[William18]

The Hurricanes have Smith and Gear so we probably don't need Guilford again. It still affects our depth and all that.

 

[Flux]

I can't see why we'd give one of our biggest rivals two of our most promising prospects, but I guess it doesn't come down to the Hurricanes management...

 

[nik]

Well I understand Zac Guilford moving, he will probably get more game time when playing for the Crusaders. Plus he will benefit playing the same backline as Dan Carter.
I would have thought Israel Dagg would stay at the Highlanders.

Historically the Crusaders is good place where players develop their skills. It will be good for both players. I think it will be exciting really. A dangerous backline is looming.

 

[cyRil]

Do you like Daggs?

 

[smartcooky]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Sep 3 2009, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Do you like Daggs?[/b]

Git behind ya mongrel!!!![/b]

 

[C A Iversen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (smartcooky @ Sep 3 2009, 09:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Sep 3 2009, 03:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you like Daggs?[/b]

Git behind ya mongrel!!!![/b]

[/b][/quote]

lol! Would love to see Fred running down the sideline for Hawkes Bay!

 

[Jethro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Sep 3 2009, 01:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Do you like Daggs?

[/b]

You probably wont be the end of this year's EOYT Yes calling Dagg being selected.

 

[QLD]

Crusaders are becoming stronger. Great.

 

[Nickdnz]

Hurricanes have all ways been spoilt for options with outside backs. Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu, Serelli Bobo, Lome Fa'atau, Hosea Gear David Smith ect...I can't see Guilford getting time on the field if David Smith and Hosea Gear keep on performing the way they have.

 

[jawmalawm24]

Yeah good move for Zac bloody trator just because we got a hiding aye boy. It's gota be because of Hosea and David Smith than you've got the likes of both Corey Jane who can cover wing and fullback and Tamati Ellsion who covers fullback, wing and the centres.

So be pretty hard trying to get game time over all 4 of these fullaz not unless they're away on duties. I think Israel Dagg will make a good edition to the Dark side now that Rangi's gone off to Japan.

 

[Jethro]

Looks like Dagg is re-signing with the Highlanders for 2010.

Berquist signed with the Tribe, or did I mis-read that?

 

[William18]

It sucks that Guildford went to Canterbury as well. Massive loss for Hawkes Bay. I think it should take up more of the salary cap to sign players from outside your region. It might get teams looking local first off.

 

[darwin_23]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (William18 @ Oct 22 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

It sucks that Guildford went to Canterbury as well. Massive loss for Hawkes Bay. I think it should take up more of the salary cap to sign players from outside your region. It might get teams looking local first off.[/b]

As far as I'm aware both Guilford and Dagg will be loaned back to the Bay so will not be lost to them.

 

[Jethro]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (darwin_23 @ Oct 22 2009, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (William18 @ Oct 22 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It sucks that Guildford went to Canterbury as well. Massive loss for Hawkes Bay. I think it should take up more of the salary cap to sign players from outside your region. It might get teams looking local first off.[/b]

As far as I'm aware both Guilford and Dagg will be loaned back to the Bay so will not be lost to them.
[/b][/quote]

Yeap, under NZRU guidelines they are signed, like most of the rest of the Bay players, to S14 franchises but remain available to the Bay in ANZC.

 

[William18]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (darwin_23 @ Oct 22 2009, 05:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (William18 @ Oct 22 2009, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It sucks that Guildford went to Canterbury as well. Massive loss for Hawkes Bay. I think it should take up more of the salary cap to sign players from outside your region. It might get teams looking local first off.[/b]

As far as I'm aware both Guilford and Dagg will be loaned back to the Bay so will not be lost to them.
[/b][/quote]
Oh, that's ok then.

 

[stormer2010]

Awesome. The Crusaders now have quality although young out backs to boot. Who are the likely centers with Laulala up North? Not that he played much last year with his injuries and all. Who do you guys think the contenders are from NZ? Crusaders look a lot more dangerous than last year and I guess one should expect the Canes and Chiefs to be up there again. Blues at least look good on paper but they have done so for a while now and still?

The Bulls on the other hand have lost Habana to us! But the replacements are pretty good in Gerhard van der heever and Francois Hougaard so expect more of the same from the Bulls but at least better from the Stormers as our tight five has grown in leaps and bounds and we now have Habana and Fourie to compensate for de Villiers leaving although our depth is shockingly bad except for at lock and loose forward. Sharks have taken a dip IMO where the Lions are no-exist but watch out for the Cheetahs; potentially the best in SA if they could just sort out the lack of a decent flyhalf and centers who can't tackle to save their lives.

 

[QLD]

I think its **** they are going to the Crusaders.. why cant they help out the Highlanders and start something special down there.

At least they can play for Hawkes Bay next year.