Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby coach Craig Philpott got positive answers to two of his biggest questions in the buildup to Wednesday night's trial in Waipukurau.
Philpott was questioning the depth in the province's propping and locking departments following the departure of five of last season's props and both of last season's starting locks, former All Black Bryn Evans and new All Black Brodie Retallick.
"I was very pleased with the props. They're going to add some depth," Philpott said as he analysed footage of the trial which saw the Tivaini Fomai-captained Saracens XV beat the Adam Bradey-led Hawke's Bay XV 40-19 at Central Park.
Philpott was full of praise for new Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports prop Adrian Barone. The former Wellington club player's scrummaging was impressive, particularly in the first half, for the losing side.
Barone's clubmate Ash Johnson, the most experienced of the locks on display, was prominent in the winning pack.
"I know it sounds funny but it was one of those trials where everybody did a lot of good things. Nobody had disappointing games," Philpott said.
Openside flanker Fomai and his Hastings Rugby and Sports clubmate, No8 Peniasi Tokakece, continued their impressive club form. Napier Technical winger Penikolo Latu was another singled out by Philpott for his contribution to the Saracens XV.
Fomai's brother and clubmate Ausage Fomai, one of the big improvers in club rugby this season, joined Pirate fullback Nick McLennan as the best of the backs in the Hawke's Bay XV.
Philpott will announce a 38-strong squad tomorrow to prepare for pre-season games.
Scorers: Saracens XV 40 (B Uriarau 2, B Neera, T Saseve, P Tokakece tries; D Waenga 5 cons) Hawke's Bay XV 19 (S Timu, K Coll, M Gordon tries; I West 2 cons). HT: 21-5. 60 min mark: 40-5.