Fullback Israel Dagg is demanding the Crusaders smarten up and don't call on him for any more match-saving moments.
Better known for his aerial prowess and attacking raids, Dagg pulled off one of the biggest plays of the Super Rugby season with a last-gasp tackle on Highlanders wing Patrick Osborne to seal a 32-30 win for the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday.
The All Blacks custodian flung himself at the hefty Osborne, nudging him into the corner flag and prompting a marathon viewing of the replay from TMO Vinny Munro, who eventually ruled 'no try'.
If Munro had pressed the green button - as a faction of Highlanders supporters on social media still contend he should have - the Crusaders would be eighth, rather than third, on a congested ladder heading into their last four games.
Dagg says the Crusaders were guilty of kicking too much ball away late in the game, similar to a week earlier when their conservative approach backfired in a loss to the 14-man Sharks in Christchurch.
He says ceding possession opens the door for desperate opponents to launch late waves of attack.
"We've got to be a lot smarter than that and hold onto that ball so it doesn't go down to the wire," he said.
Dagg's recollection of the Osborne tackle is vague, although after countless viewings, he reckons Munro got it right by deeming the ball was grounded simultaneously with the tryline and the touchline.
"It was one of those things that could have gone either way," he said.
"I was telling the ref and myself that he was out. I didn't really know."
Heading into Friday's home game against the Western Force, the Crusaders lead the New Zealand conference by one point from the Hurricanes and Highlanders, with another point back to the Chiefs.
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