Fit-again Dagg joins Crusaders in Perth

All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg is in line to make his first appearance of the Super Rugby season after joining the Crusaders in Perth ahead of their clash with the Western Force.

Dagg came through 30 minutes of club rugby in Christchurch on Saturday, scoring a try and proving he has overcome a shoulder injury suffered last September which required surgery.

The 49-Test veteran and hooker Ged Robinson have joined the squad following injuries to fullback David Havili (hip) and Ben Funnell (hamstring) during their 43-37 win over the Lions in Johannesburg.

Their fourth successive win has lifted the Crusaders to third in the Australasian group and fourth overall in the Super Rugby standings heading into Friday's match against the Force.

Dagg needs to make up for lost time if he is to regain his All Blacks jersey, having missed World Cup selection before suffering the injury while playing for Hawke's Bay in the NPC.