MacLeod was after “actions and intent” from his players and said he saw plenty of that. He said they let themselves down in areas such as the lineout and exiting from their own half, but that was a lot to do with the limited preparation time for many of the players. MacLeod got to have a look at various players who had not played a lot at a level above club rugby, and he said those players would have learned a lot from that outing. He said some players were waiting for players to come to them in defence, while those more accustomed to the next level were getting up quickly and “smacking” opposition players in defence.
Club Rugby: Galbraith Shield excitement remains 21 years on
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Club rugby: Star book unlikely semifinal spot after storming past Marist
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Stags coach Dale MacLeod is pleased to have a player of McKenzie s “experience and pedigree” back in the team. “Marty has been a professional player for 10-plus years. Having 2020 away has been good for Marty, he has returned fresh and keen to get back into the NPC. “I want Marty to just get out and play rugby and enjoy himself. He understands the game very well and when he expresses himself things happen. This will be key to unleashing the talented backline we have assembled for 2021.” Last season McKenzie captained Woodlands to the Galbraith Shield title as part of a team that dominated the Southland club competition.