Rugby: Hawke's Bay Saracens flanker pushes for Magpies spot

Fa'alemiga Selesele was a powerful figure for the Hawke's Bay Saracens rugby team on Saturday. Photo/File

Magpies squad member Fa'alemiga Selesele produced a timely dominant display for the Hawke's Bay Saracens rugby team during Saturday's 32-31 loss to Poverty Bay in Gisborne.

Saracens manager Mike Smith said Selesele had a strong second half and got more and more dominant as the match progressed. With Magpies flanker Tony Lamborn expected to be unavailable for up to six weeks with his shoulder injury Samoa international Selesele could be selected in the Magpies' squad for Friday night's game against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua.

Captain and blindside flanker Ben Hamelink was another to shine in the Saracens pack. Centre Kalin Paewai was dangerous on attack with two tries and solid on defence.

Ricky Hayes provided quality impact off the bench and displayed his versatility by playing second five-eighth when the Saracens were on defence and in the forwards when they were on attack. Hayes had to do this as the Saracens played the final 50 minutes with 14 players after centre Kalen Whakataka was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

The Hawke's Bay Samoans were beaten 27-19 by the Wellington Samoans at Elwood Park, Hastings on Saturday. Captain and blindside flanker Pouvi Fatialofa was again courageous for the hosts.

First five-eighth Johnny Lauano and substitute Niue Vaimoli were others to shine for the Bay team.

Magpies squad member Mitch Drew scored the only try for the Hawke's Bay under-19s in their 26-5 loss to Manawatu at Park Island on Saturday. Drew shone at centre before he was forced from the field with a hamstring injury.

Bay coach Blair Cross said his troops displayed vast improvement on the previous week's loss to Whanganui Development against a strong Manawatu team. Wingers Sam Lewis and Nathan Burton were also potent in the Bay backline while locks, captain Angus McKnight and Cam Pratt, and No 8 Tua Ulupano were prominent in the Bay pack.