Shield bid is in Tom Marshall's sights [Nelson Mail]
Tom Marshall enjoyed the novelty of wearing the No 10 jersey for South Island in last Sunday's inter-island rugby clash in Dunedin.
But he certainly won't be suggesting to his Tasman Makos coach Kieran Keane that it becomes a regular gig.
South's 32-24 win over North at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium last Sunday was an ideal opportunity for some meaningful game time for the talented 21-year-old utility back, having spent much of this season's Super 15 campaign starting off the bench for the Crusaders.
"It was certainly different," said Marshall, who intends heading back to Nelson this weekend to play for his Nelson club against Waitohi in Saturday's Bayleys Tasman Trophy interclub clash in Picton.
"I haven't played [No 10] since school I don't think, so I was pretty nervous before the game and leading up to it. But once I got out there, it was no worries."
He still made a handy enough job of it, scoring the first of South's five tries, but admitted he'll be happier playing further out for the Makos, preferably at fullback or in the midfield.
"I'll leave [No10] to someone else, I think," he quipped. "I'd be comfortable covering it, but I don't really think I want to play there."
With Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg now back to full health after missing much of last season with a serious leg injury, Marshall always knew he'd be playing a minor role this season.
"I knew coming into this year that if Dagg was fit, I'd be second choice, and I'm happy with that at this stage. I've always been in the 22 so far this year, so that's all right, I'm comfortable with that.
"There was a stage where I thought I needed to play some rugby but lately, with this break, it's been good and I've been able to get out and play some club rugby [with Christchurch club Sumner].
"I'm pretty happy with the way things are tracking. I'm still learning quite a lot off the field and that's the main thing." The noticeable pace of the North-South clash wasn't lost on Marshall.
"It was really fast. I ended up playing 80 minutes [so] I was blowing a wee bit. Some of the boys were stoked that it was rolling subs, but I ended up on the field for 80 so it was pretty hard work, but a good blowout."
As to his immediate future, Marshall said he was happy to remain in the Crusaders' environment, even if that meant playing second string to Dagg for another season.
"I think he's off contract with the Crusaders next year, so you never know what's going to happen there and I'm with the Crusaders again next year. I'm happy with that, it's a great place to learn the game of rugby and if Dagg is around next year and I'm on the bench again, well so be it. At the end of [next] season I'll only be 23 and I'll have had three years of Super Rugby experience under my belt, so it's not all bad."
His 22 Super Rugby caps means he's made more appearances for the Crusaders than the Makos, with 20. So he's looking forward to significantly increasing that number in this year's ITM Cup competition. And he's been keeping a close eye on what's been happening off-season with the Makos.
"It's obviously exciting when you get a few new boys and a couple of signings, so it'll be interesting to see the way we shape up.
"I think the big target this year would have to be the [Ranfurly] Shield challenge [against Taranaki] in round two, so if we could get that game it would be a massive season and hopefully a good year for the boys. I'm looking forward to coming back and seeing how the boys are shaping up."
The Super 15 season might be in a brief hiatus during the June test window, but it's business as usual for the Crusaders squad, who are still involved in training Monday to Friday.
After Saturday's club outing in Picton, he intends returning for the Tasman Trophy final against Marist the following weekend.
"I've been following all the club rugby online, so it's been interesting."
