Star should not lack any motivation for its match against Pirates Old-Boys tomorrow.
Star stalwart Alan "Stumpy" Blackler was laid to rest earlier this week, after a short illness and courageous battle. He was 73.
Star club member Andrew McHugh said Blacker will be on everyone's minds when the club hosts Pirates Old Boys at Waverley Park
tomorrow.
Star will start warm favourite in its third match of the Southland premier club competition.
McHugh struggled to find words to describe Blackler, who served 50 years on the committee of the Star Rugby Football Club.
"The word legend doesn't get chucked around too often, but for us Stumpy was most certainly that. Alan held every title in our club from player right through to president. He will certainly be missed by everyone at Star and our sincere condolences go out to Phillipa and the rest of the family," he said.
After 11 seasons as a senior player for Star, Blackler was captain for the next five years. He was then player-captain-coach for his last three undefeated seasons.
Blackler played 37 games for Southland at first five-eighth and also as fullback and halfback, from 1965 to 1973. His tally included encounters against the All Blacks in an internal tour, France and two Ranfurly Shield games.
Blackler also served on the SRFU executive for seven years. His father Doug Blackler was also a life member of the Star Rugby Football Club.
Star had to work hard to beat Wyndham last week 42-27.
Unbeaten teams Marist and Eastern Northern Barbarians will meet at the Gore Showgrounds tomorrow, while Te Anau will be hoping local support can give it the edge against Edendale.
Midland was to play Woodlands last night.
Wyndham is expected to be too strong at home for Waikaka tomorrow, while Blues should have too much size and speed for the locals at Riversdale.
- John Langford