New England Rugby: Tamworth looking to swoop on winless Robb

Wallace comes into the side for the unavailable Lachie Ennis for what Magpies coach Peter Burke said is a deserved start.

"He's been playing the house down in reserve grade," Burke said.

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One of the real "characters" of the club, he said when he read out Wallace's name at training on Thursday night it was met with acclamation from his team-mates.

"Everyone was so happy for him," he said.

Burke is happy with how the side is shaping up as they eye back-to-back wins with Henry Hickson and Angus Cameron both returning after missing the win over Barbarians two weeks ago (they had a bye last week).

Hickson's return at inside centre has facilitated Nick Wiseman to shift back into the pack, while Blake Clout will push onto the wing with Cameron coming back in at fullback.

"The side is looking really well balanced," Burke said.

He called on them to show the same patience that was one of the most pleasing aspects of the performance against the Baa Baas.

"It took us probably 60 minutes to get on top of them, but they didn't panic," he said.

Then when they did get on top they were able to really go on with it.

With a young team that hasn't played a lot of football together that patience can be one of the biggest challenges.

"Every time they get the ball, they're wanting to desperately score," Burke said.

"I'm trying to get them to calm down and hold the ball for more phases".

When they have been able to, the holes have opened up.

"With a young side, you need to coach them mentally as much as physically," Burke said.

Robb are yet to register a win but the Magpies certainly won't be taking them lightly.

"The scoreline doesn't say it but the Baa Baas gave us a scare," he said.

"We've got to be careful on the weekend and stick to the plans."

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