And that is why he is so impressed with Willis Halaholo who has taken the same journey as him.
Halaholo picked up a Guinness Six Nations Championship medal with Wales this season – eight years after Wayne Pivac opted not to offer the Cardiff Blues centre a senior contract at Auckland.
The teenage Halaholo overcame that rejection to find success with the Hurricanes before moving to the northern hemisphere and ending up in the Welsh capital.
But it was McIntosh who shaped the blueprint for all wandering Kiwis when he was the first New Zealander to be capped for Wales through residency back in 1996.
Willis Halaholo has made a remarkable journey from New Zealand to Wales
A quarter of a century later, Halaholo had to endure the same criticism and abuse that McIntosh suffered from those offended that anyone who makes their life in Wales should be allowed to put on a red jersey.
McIntosh’s wait for qualification was more than twice as long as the three years Halaholo served.
The current Merthyr coach – known throughout Welsh rugby as “Chief” – said: “I had to wait seven-and-a-half years for my cap which was a long time.
“I understand some of the emotions involved, if not the abuse.
“I understand the passions involved about people coming into Wales – that it has to be for the right reasons and the qualification rules have to be reasonably strict.
“But I was proud as punch to play for Wales and so were my family.
“I’m sure Willis feels exactly the same.”
Dale McIntosh in training with Wales in 1996
I understand the passions involved about people coming into Wales – that it has to be for the right reasons and the qualification rules have to be reasonably strict. But I was proud as punch to play for Wales and so were my family. I’m sure Willis feels exactly the same.
McIntosh was impressed by the impact Halaholo made for Wales in his debut Six Nations, even if he was concerned his first appearance off the bench against Scotland looked initially as if it may not go to plan.
“He looked a bit hesitant at first,” said McIntosh. “I think he didn’t want to appear too arrogant or cocksure to begin with.
“I wanted him to believe in himself a bit more because he was in there due to the fact he is a very talented guy.
“But once he found his feet there was no stopping him and his understanding with Louis Rees-Zammit really got the best out of that kid.
“We just need to make sure the young guys are now playing in Wales. We can’t end up having 80 per cent of our guys in the team playing across the bridge.”
Once he found his feet there was no stopping him and his understanding with Louis Rees-Zammit really got the best out of that kid
S4C – Sunday, 10.00pm: Clwb Rygbi: Super Rugby Aotearoa
Extended highlights from the Super Rugby Aotearoa, a competition between New Zealand’s five professional teams. This week’s programme will feature highlights from the weekend’s matches: Highlanders v Chiefs & Hurricanes v Crusaders.
