Dagg might make a move to the Chiefs & Nonu not wanted by the Highlanders

A three-week ban for a dangerous tackle means Ma'a Nonu's Super Rugby season is over, and he may have played his last game for the Highlanders, with the southern franchise not keen on having him back.

Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg is another senior All Black looking to move, possibly to the Chiefs.

Dave Rennie has seven spots to fill for next year's Chiefs squad, and he's open to one of those being taken by Dagg.

"We're well aware of his situation, that's he's keen for a change, but whether we've got room in our group is the question," says Rennie.

The All Blacks fullback was talked out of moving to the Chiefs last year by the Crusaders' senior players, and the coaches expect him back next year.

"According to my spreadsheet, he's contracted to us," says Crusaders assistant coach Tabai Matson.

He is, but it's understood there's a clause that allows him to shift franchises, with the Blues and Chiefs the most likely destinations.

The options are thin for Nonu though. He was sacked by the Hurricanes two years ago, walked out on the Blues last year and may now have played his last game for the Highlanders.

The Chiefs are holding a spot open, but that's for Sonny Bill Williams.

"Bundee's going great guns for us," says Rennie. "We've got guys like Andrew Horewell, Charlie Ngatai, and Tim Nanai-Williams can play there as well, so we've got a fair bit of flexibility around that position and it's pretty tight."

The Crusaders need some punch in their backline and with Richie McCaw set to play a full season next year. Nonu might play for the red-and-blacks as he does for the All Blacks.

"We haven't spoken about him at all – no," says Matson.

Matson wasn't impressed with Nonu's ill discipline against the Crusaders – red carded then banned for three weeks, and an off-field yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Dan Carter.

"I can't comment on someone else's mental state, and probably in one incident he clearly had a brain fart and has to pay the consequences," says Matson.

Meanwhile McCaw's not expected to return to the Crusaders until the playoffs. A club game next weekend is probably his first match this year.

Forgetting about Ben Smith's ability to play at wing or outside centre for a second, if you had a straight choice between Israel Dagg and Ben Smith for the All Black #15 jersey, who would you pick? I don't even think Dagg would make my All Black bench . . . would you pick Dagg in his current form before Charles Piutau?

Ma'a Nonu is just plain crap. No speed, no ball skills, no desire and no discipline. I can't think why any S15 franchise would want him. I know you say he still performs for the All Blacks but apart from one tackle bust that led to a try against the Frogs, he looks as useless in a black jersey as he does in a blue-and-yellow one.

Agree on Dave Rennie. He's producing the goods and it seems all the top NZ players want to play under him.

McCaw retiring soon.

Carter injury prone …

Nonu with his rebellious attitude and other issues.

Dagg losing his mojo.

Gear off to France.

Conrad Smith not what he used to be … in need of replacing.

Ranger not interested in the All Blacks.

Kevin Mealamu should have retired at least two seasons back.

New lock pairing in Whitelock and Thrush!!!.

SBW having his bum licked to return.

Desperate times lie ahead for the All Blacks!!

They can be grateful they have a class coaching staff. Imagine all these issues with the likes of P Divvy at the helm??