Former All Blacks star Israel Dagg believes that head coach Scott Robertson will now ditch Mark Tele’a for the 2025 Test season.
The 28-year-old announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving New Zealand at the end of the year to take up a contract in Japan.
Tele’a is still available for international duty and Robertson showed last season that he is willing to pick players even when they have committed elsewhere.
Sam Cane and TJ Perenara were both selected through the 2024 campaign despite agreeing long-term deals in Japan Rugby League One.
However, Dagg reckons that the All Blacks boss will not make an exception for the Blues speedster when he names his squad for the July series against France.
Different situation to Cane and Perenara
“This is different,” he said on Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy show.
“Mark Tele’a has had limited opportunities and he is in a position that has been heavily contested throughout this season.
“No disrespect, but I think that ship has sailed and I think the coaching group will look at options elsewhere.
“I’m sure he’ll be really valued over in Japan but I’m not concerned, because I think there is so much talent here that will be unlocked this season and given opportunities.”
Dagg then chose his preferred option to replace Tele’a. Although Robertson has plenty of talent to select from, the 36-year-old has been a fan of a wing who has impressed for the Highlanders this season.
“I’m going to go with Caleb Tangitau to be a bolter this season,” he said.
“He has been absolutely outstanding. I know this decision for Caleb was difficult. He’s wanted to be in the Blues around home but he’s gone down there and the Highlanders have got him fit and got him absolutely humming.”
Tangitau moved to the South Island ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season and it has paid off with the flyer touching down six times in seven matches for the ‘Landers.
It was a big call to leave the defending champions but Dagg insisted that the Dunedin outfit have been getting more out of their back three players.
“He made the shift from the Blues and it’s probably the best decision he ever made. I think the problem is at the Blues. Even with Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a, who are two devastating wingers, they just don’t see any ball,” he said.
“You’re not going to have any camera time, not going to have any impact and you’re going to be at the back of everyone’s minds.”
Why All Blacks dump their wings
The decision of Tele’a also prompted a wider discussion of why only a few All Blacks back three stars manage make it past 30, with Dagg himself playing his final Test at the age of 29.
“You’re in a position where you need to be explosive. You need to be quick and you need to be good on your feet,” he added.
“This is no disrespect to a Sammy Whitelock, but you’re in this position where you can just plod around, know your core roles and do what is asked of you.
“It is demanding for your size and height but not as demanding as those outside backs.
“When you’ve got 20-year-olds coming through that have got no injuries, no niggles…
“I think it’s just the case for that position, we’re always in this country going to unlock some talent in the outside backs position.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/israel-dagg-claims-mark-teleas-ship-has-sailed-as-all-blacks-great-picks-absolutely-outstanding-bolter-as-his-replacement
