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Dagg: Blackadder’s All Blacks selection reflects Rennie’s demand
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 28th, 2026 12:58 pm
Ethan Blackadder | Photo: Evan Denworth/Photosport
Ethan Blackadder’s All Blacks selection is a clear reflection of what Dave Rennie and his coaching staff expect from players, according to former All Black and Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy host Israel Dagg.
He believes Blackadder fits the profile of the modern All Black under Rennie - physical, fit, hard-working and willing to empty the tank for his teammates.
“I love the theme that is consistently spoken about with Dave Rennie and all of this coaching staff. They want physically fit athletes that can go for long periods and work their absolute butts off - and that's Ethan Blackadder,” Dagg explained.
Blackadder’s return to rugby comes with obvious questions around durability, particularly ahead of what is expected to be a physical tour in South Africa.
Ethan Blackadder | Photo: Abe Arredondo/Photosport
The 31-year-olds career hasn’t been smooth sailing when it comes to injury - in 2022, his season ended with a shoulder injury, then calf issues cost him a spot on the All Blacks 2024 northern tour, and to top it off, 2025 saw relentless hamstring issues.
So the question remains if Blackadder can he hold together on what is going to be a demanding tour?
Because when he’s fit, there is no doubt about what the Cantabrian loose forward can bring.
“I'm a big believer in what he offers a team. He is gritty. He is flinty. He is aggressive. He's what the team is about now under Rennie and he's being trusted by two other All Black coaches as well," said co-host Scotty Stevenson.
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Blackadder’s selection also sends a message to emerging players around the country that talent alone is not enough in the current All Blacks environment, with work-rate and fitness becoming vital to selection.
“If you're a young athlete, you're a young player in this country, I would have a huge emphasis on your engine and your ability to work extremely hard.
“If you don't work hard for your teammates and you're not yourself into good positions you're probably going to struggle to get into the squad and I think that's probably the reason why Ethan Blackadder has made it,” said Dagg.
Listen to the full segment below:
