Rugby: Philpott: Dagg still in with chance of call-up

Craig Philpott

Hawke's Bay Magpies head coach Craig Philpott is naturally a man of mixed emotions after the naming of the World Cup squad ... excited for Ben Franks and sad for Israel Dagg.

"Ben spoke to us all in the changing shed after Friday night's game. He didn't know if he was in or out at that stage but he said he would be available for us for the rest of the season if he missed out and while he would be a little bit grumpy for a few days he would get over it," Philpott recalled.

He thought Dagg's experience and "mighty right boot" might have seen him make the cut.

"The All Black selectors have obviously got confidence in Ben Smith playing a lot of rugby, but I'm sure if anything happened to him or Nehe [Milner-Skudder] injury-wise Izzy will be the first to get the call.

"Like Cory [former Magpie Jane] it was tough for Izzy as they both have a lot of All Black history. I don't envy the selectors in what they went through in trying to nail this group down," Philpott said.

He will find out from Dagg today whether or not he will be available for Friday night's Ranfurly Shield defence against North Harbour at Napier's McLean Park.

"I understand he is in a group of standby players who have to be in Wellington on Thursday to be issued with their training programmes. If he has too many other commitments he will make a fresh start the following week when we play Canterbury away."

Philpott described the All Black squad as "very strong mentally and one with fantastic depth".

Meanwhile, Philpott has promoted Hawke's Bay Saracens No8 Kaleb Sweet to his squad after he lost a third No8, Joseph Penitito, to a season-ending injury at the weekend. Highlander Gareth Evans broke his arm against Northland and Hurricanes wider training group member Hugh Renton was ruled out at the start of the season after double hip surgery.