Magpies secret weapon lies in socks appeal

SportToday had to put the question to Hawke's Bay Magpies co-coach Peter Russell after Saturday night's long-awaited second victory in the ITM Cup.
Was it the socks which sparked the ninth round 32-24 win against Taranaki at Napier's McLean Park? The Magpies players wore their club socks as part of the "club day celebration" theme for the day.
"Yes ... we will take them to Auckland next week," replied Russell.
Switching back to serious mode Russell pointed out his troops hadn't been far off that performance all season.
"The boys were pretty relaxed and keen to go out and play to their best ability and there were lots of incentives," said Russell referring to the fact it was captain and centre Jason Shoemark's 50th first class outing for the side, winger Richard Buckman's 20th and blazer game and the first Cup starts for props Jodi Allen and Kaas Lealamanua.
Former All Black midfielder and Hawke's Bay legend from the 1960s Ranfurly Shield era Ian MacRae did the jersey presentation.
"Ian spoke about the passion and pride Magpies players had during his era and how they bleed for the jersey ... it worked," added Russell.
Another four performances like Saturday night's and the Magpies might just make the top seven. If they have to keep wearing their club socks for every game and use MacRae for every jersey presentation to keep winning then do it. If it's working don't change it.