Israel Dagg's hand gesture: what was it?

Hey Israel...what IS this? Photo / facebook

Was it a French rooster? Was it a crazy horse? Or was it a reference to Lindisfarne College?

Saturday night's standout performance by Hawke's Bay's Israel Dagg was not only marked by his Man of the Match accolade, but by his curious hand gesture after scoring his second try against France.

Social media were quick to attribute the hand-puppet sign to the Crazy Horses Gang in the movie Boy, who have a similar "gang sign".

The New Zealand film established a cult following when released last year, earning a firm spot in the country's pop culture references.

The Crazy Horses Gang's Facebook page was claiming the gesture, and the 8000 "likes" would seem to support their stake.

However, Dagg's gesture differed slightly from that used in the movie, which may have added to speculation he was taking a dig at the French side's rooster mascot.

Dagg's mother, Horiana Nukutarawhiti, was among those who supported the theory.

"When I saw it I thought 'oh, what's he saying to the French people about the rooster?' But the kids are saying 'no mum it's on the movie Boy'."

Reports also suggested the action was representing a cobra snake, a throwback from his days at Lindisfarne College.

Rugby coach Grant Gilbert said he was unaware of any symbolic reference to school teams or events.

Other reports also linked the action to Dagg's schoolboy days and the nickname "quacker" he is believed to have had.