Israel Dagg, who played 40 minutes for his University club on May 13, has to convince the All Blacks selectors he deserves selection for the three-test series against the British and Irish Lions in June and July.



Israel Dagg will finally return, but these days it's easier to get your kicks from trying to predict which wild card player will next don the Crusaders' colours.

Assistant coach Brad Mooar confirmed All Blacks fullback/wing Dagg will appear against the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday night, returning to Super Rugby for the first time since his right knee gave-up on him against the Reds in Brisbane on March 11.

Surely that must be a relief for the All Blacks selectors, who are also waiting for Ben Smith to recover from an ankle problem, because the initial diagnosis was that Dagg, a 61-test veteran, would only be out for around six weeks.

GETTY IMAGES All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty is off contract with NZ Rugby later this year. He is assessing his options, and could head overseas.

That time frame proved too optimistic. Nine weeks have passed, and he has played just 40 minutes for his University club. Now Dagg has just two Super Rugby games, and the mid-week match against the British and Irish Lions on June 10, to prove he is near peak form ahead of the first test in Auckland on June 24.

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The return of Dagg will inevitably result in a backline reshuffle for the Crusaders, as they prepare to meet a beleaguered Aussie side that rests on the verge of extinction under the proposed competition restructure at AAMI Stadium.

Mooar said the All Blacks selectors had not thrust their beaks into the Dagg situation, demanding when or what position he should play.

"It might be above my pay scale, but none of those conversations are happening with me," Mooar said. "But in terms of liaising with the (All Blacks) coaches, yes, we build relationships and have some great conversations … more about how we can be better and what are you seeing, as opposed to who do you want to play and when and where."

All Blacks Ryan Crotty and Matt Todd will have head injury assessments following their concussions.

Second five-eighth Crotty left the field during the 31-24 win over the Chiefs in Suva last Friday night, while flanker Todd never got near the fun, scratched at late notice in the wake of his head knock against the Hurricanes.

Todd's withdrawal meant Vernon Fredericks, not a member of the full-time Crusaders squad, was rushed to Fiji the day before the game and instructed to sit on the bench.

The Tasman loose forward, who suffered a terrible fright in 2015 when a brain scan revealed he required surgery to pop a 2cm cyst and drain the surrounding cerebral fluid, took the field in the closing minutes in Suva.

That, said Mooar, reflected the players' willingness to work hard and accept their responsibilities.

"We just carry on through. Vern Fredericks turns up on Thursday in Suva, and steps up and closes the game out with us. It is just an example of a group that cares for each other and is willing to put in the work."

Fredericks hasn't been the only left-field selection to help the Crusaders out, as they have charged through their first 12 games unbeaten.

Sumner club back rower Dylan Nel, who made one appearance as a replacement for Canterbury last year, was whisked over to South Africa at short notice when Kieran Read broke his thumb and Sam Whitelock was suspended, but wasn't required to suit-up against the Bulls in Pretoria on May 7.

No 8 Whetu Douglas was another relative unknown, only called in as injury cover for Read over the off-season, but proved to be dynamite in his absence. There is clearly merit in such selections.

Mooar also shut down suggestions the Crusaders, who remain at the head of the log and have only three round-robin games to play, are set to coast into the playoffs.

"If we are already in them, tell me where and when. Who are we playing? There is a lot more footy to go yet. We totally focused on the Rebels this week."