Dagg to leave Crusaders?

Israel Dagg appears likely to be playing at a new Super Rugby franchise next year.

Dagg’s contract ends with the Crusaders at the end of this season and it’s understood he will be at a new side in 2014.

The All Blacks fullback says he’s not sure what’s around the corner.

He says if the Crusaders want to keep him he’ll keep it in mind, but he has to keep his options open.

Israel Dagg will start at fullback for the Crusaders against the Highlanders in Dunedin tonight.

Meanwhile, the playoff hopes of the Blues and the Sharks look to hinge on their encounter in Durban overnight.

A loss for either side would be a huge blow to their hopes of making the top six, and Blues coach Sir John Kirwan says it’s a strange way to resume their campaign.

Kirwan says it feels a bit like the start of the season, but they’ve been talking a lot about how important this game is.

Kickoff’s at one o’clock.

– Newstalk ZB