Magpies a win away from home semi

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

HAWKE'S Bay overcame a strong Southland side and an even sturdier Invercargill wind to win 35-28 and clinch a home semifinal in the ITM Cup.

With the stiff breeze blowing straight into their faces in the second spell at Rugby Park — causing clearing kicks to almost travel backwards — Hawke’s Bay scored three tries to overhaul an 18-13 halftime deficit and claim a bonus-point victory.

The triumph left the Magpies alone atop the Championship standings and meant another win over Waikato next weekend would seal home advantage throughout the playoffs and lock away the Ranfurly Shield for another summer.

With an eye on that clash, Hawke’s Bay opted to rest several frontline players from their starting 15 and trailed by five points at the break.

Reinforcements arrived after the break and, despite the inclement conditions, the visitors battled back to record an incredibly impressive victory.

That looked a long way off as Hawke’s Bay struggled to assert themselves in the opening half. With the wind on their side, the Magpies enjoyed the best of field position but continued to cede possession to the Stags, with errors in open play and at lineout time proving their undoing.

Willis Halaholo grabbed the game’s first try, exploiting deficiencies in the Hawke’s Bay defence, before Guy Millar dotted down to put the home side in complete control. But a crucial try on the stroke of halftime from Robbie Fruean pulled the Magpies within five heading into halftime and, when Mason Emerson crossed after the break, the Bay were soon in front.

The double strike owed some to poor spot tackling from Southland but Hawke’s Bay looked a different side while playing into the elements, a feeling that was only enhanced when the calvary came off the bench.

Two tries in 10 minutes from Ryan Tongia secured the bonus point and, despite the wind causing complete havoc with Ihaia West’s clearing kicks, the Magpies were able to hang on.

Southland 28 (Halaholo, Millar, Molloy tries; Sopoaga 3 pens, 2 cons)

Hawke’s Bay 35 (Fruean, Emerson, Tongia 2 tries; Elkington 3 pens, 3 cons). HT: 18-13

Wellington — looking to bounce straight back to the premiership after being relegated last season — continued their unbeaten away form with a 31-13 demolition of Bay of Plenty in Tauranga.

It was not as convncing as the scoreline would suggest but the win keeps them in contention to claim top spot, only three points behind Hawke’s Bay, with one game remaining before the playoffs.

Canterbury showed why they are favourites to win the premiership with a 41-25 defeat of last season’s beaten finalists Tasman. It was Canterbury’s first win in the past two seasons over their South Island rivals.

Auckland, coached by former Poverty Bay coach Paul Feeney, stay second, five points behind Canterbury following their 64-21 thumping of Northland, who are yet to win an ITM Cup game this season.

Defending champions Taranaki beat Manawatu 44-10. — NZME