In December, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said keeping two of Ben Smith, Israel Dagg or Aaron Cruden in New Zealand beyond this year would be a good outcome. And with Dagg, he simply didn't know largely because the only person with less idea was Dagg himself. This is neither a change of heart nor confirmation that New Zealand Rugby came to the party late with an improved offer. To be certain he was making the right choice about staying, Smith had to know what exactly he would be rejecting. Hansen will have a sense of confidence about Smith but not in relation to Dagg who remains something of a swing voter.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 01, 2017 16:05 UTC