Dagg named in Crusaders-Rebels lineup

All Black Israel Dagg will make his Super Rugby return for the Crusaders this weekend after a long injury layoff.

He's been named on the wing for tommorow's clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.

Dagg hasn't played Super Rugby since March after injuring his knee against the Reds and now has two games to prove his match fitness before the All Blacks first test of the year against Samoa.

Dagg's inclusion is one of ten changes the Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made to the starting fifteen that beat the Chiefs last weekend, using the trip to Melbourne to rest a number of key men, including Matt Todd, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor.

Manasa Mataele is on the opposite wing to Dagg with Tim Bateman stepping into the second five spot.

Seta Tamanivalu will make his start at centre.

The Blues clash with the Chiefs at 7.35 tonight, the Highlanders meet the Waratahs at 7.35pm tomorrow, the Crusaders face the Rebels at 9.45pm tomorrow and the Hurricanes will clash with the Bulls at 1.05am Sunday. 

Source: Radio NZ