Jonah Lowe (right) in try-scoring mode for Clive and on this occasion he beat Tamatea counterpart Ash Robinson to the ball. Photo / File
Top marks for optimism and commitment go to Hurricanes and Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby teams' outside back Jonah Lowe.
After missing out on the Hurricanes trip across the Tasman for tonight's Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies one would have understood if Lowe was a little down this week. But that's not his style.
"I've got an opportunity to play for my club and if we beat Havelock North we will be in the top four," Lowe said, as he pondered K9 Petfoods Clive's seventh round Tui Maddison Trophy clash with Progressive Meats Havelock North at Anderson Park today.
"I had the option of playing for a club in Wellington but playing for Clive means a lot to me. I played all of my junior rugby for Clive and all the boys get on so well."
This is the second season Lowe has travelled from Wellington each week to play for Clive when he isn't required by the Canes.
When possible he trains with the Super franchise in the capital on the Thursday morning before driving to Farndon Park in time for Thursday night's training with the riversiders.
Today's game will be his fourth for Clive after missing the previous two.
While he is excited about joining a backline which will also include the likes of promising halfback Bronson Hokianga, experienced first five-eighth Tianua Poto, fellow Magpies wider training group midfielders Sasa Tofilau and Sebastian Visibia and former Sunwolves and Queensland Reds fullback JJ Taulagi, Lowe said Clive can't take the villagers lightly.
"Havelock are one of those teams that always give Clive a tough game. They will be up for it."
A 2016 New Zealand under-20s player and 2014 New Zealand Secondary Schools rep, Lowe, pointed out there is a possibility the Clive backline will be stronger next week than today when they take on top-of-the-table Hastings as Chiefs and Magpies utility back Tiaan Falcon could be available.
"It's awesome having JJ and Sebastian on board," Lowe said referring to the former Tech pair.
"I couldn't play in the Maddison Trophy final last year because of Magpies commitments. This year Magpies players will be allowed to and that would be the ultimate if we made it," Lowe said.
His brother, former Maori All Blacks, Hurricanes and Magpies loosie Karl Lowe, was a prominent figure in Clive's march to the final last year. While Lowe agreed it would be great to have his services the chances were slim because of his coaching commitments with the Hastings Boys' High School 1st XV.
"Coaching takes up a lot of his time but he will be there supporting us if he can."
With Wellingtonian Matt Proctor and Aucklander Vince Aso on the Hurricanes injured list Lowe, 22, was a candidate for the Hurricanes trip this week. However Canes coach Chris Boyd decided to play versatile All Black Jordie Barrett at centre and take Wellington outside back Wes Goosen as a substitute.
"I'm probably one or two injuries away now. Hopefully I get the chance to have another run before the end of the season," Lowe added, referring to the fact he has had one appearance for the Canes to date, as a substitute against the Crusaders.
Clive head coach Vaine Maui is thrilled Lowe has opted to stick with his home club when he had the easier option of playing for a club in Wellington.
"His commitment to the club is awesome. To have a player of his calibre passing on tips to our young fellahs is great. Stand behind the goal line and listen to him organise the backs and you will appreciate what he means to us."
With the villagers still missing the services of injured lock Sam Ulufonua and New Zealand under-20s loosie Devan Flanders, who is still serving an international stand down after the Baby Blacks world championships campaign, expect Clive to win by nine points. Another close encounter is likely when Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical host Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Whitmore Park.
Hard to predict the winning side in this one - a three-pointer either way.
Defending champions WIT Napier Old Boys should return to the winning path with a 19-point win against Northfuels Central at Park Island. The hosts will benefit from the return of loosies, captain Chris Johnston and Hannon Brighouse, after injury spells.
After their win against NOBM last week Taradale Rugby and Sports should gain revenge for a Nash Cup round loss to MAC with a seven-point victory at Flaxmere Park.
Yes this is a big call considering the number of X-factor type players on the MAC roster these days but Taradale are unbeaten and beginning to peak at the right time while MAC have lost their last three games and have only registered two wins during the Maddison Trophy rounds.
Unbeaten leaders Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports have the ammunition to beat Jarks Tamatea by 17 at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.