Junior All Blacks utility back and sevens player Israel Dag has enjoyed his experience in the Pacific Nations Cup – his first big international tournament with the side.
The 21 year old Dag who plays for the Otago Highlanders said facing top teams in the Pacific has allowed him to gauge his performance which he also plans to improve on as he progresses in the game.
While most of the senior reps are using the PNC to impress national selectors a chance into the All Blacks team, Dag just wants to get as much experience as he can.
“It has been a great experience playing in this tournament. We have great players in the Junior All Blacks that I have managed to learn from but also in the other teams as well,” the fullback said.
“I’m not really looking into selection into the All Blacks, I believe I have a long way to go – my priority right now is completing the PNC and getting as much experience and game time as I can,” he said.
He has played in all JABs games expect for when they faced off against Fiji in Churchill Park last week.
“Samoa has been my worthiest opponent. Those guys are the toughest I have ever been up against and playing against them has taught me many things,” he said.
“My defence, my support play – Samoa really exposed a lot of areas that I as a player needed to bring up if I wanted to stay in the big league.”
Dag is concentrating on his rugby career and has left school to do this.
“School wasn’t really for me, I just needed to take a break and find my passion for it again. Rugby is something that I love doing and maybe in time I will go back to school but for now rugby is my life.”
The Junior All Blacks won the Pacific Nations Cup title after an undefeated feat.
They face Tonga in their last clash this afternoon at 3:10pm at the TFL Stadium.
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