Hawke's Bay Magpies hooker Jorian Tangaere is all smiles after his 46th-minute try yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hooker Jorian Tangaere had every right to be smiling as he signed posters for young autograph hunters after this pre-season loss yesterday.
"It's a lot easier doing things from the get-go - unlike last year, when I was just on call," Tangaere said.
The Clive captain, named as the third-string rake in the Hawke's Bay Mitre 10 Cup squad on Tuesday, was the Magpies' player of the match.
Tangaere's mobility around the field was impressive, he sparked the Magpies' second-half comeback with a 46th-minute try, had a huge defensive workrate and had only one lineout throw stolen.
Magpies head coach Craig Philpott said Tangaere, 23, did enough to suggest he is ready to be a regular deputy for Maori All Black hooker Ash Dixon if Hurricanes rake Ricky Riccitelli is used in the loosehead prop role in the absence of injured Highlander Brendon Edmonds.
"The goal is to make the Magpies 23 each week during the Mitre 10 Cup. If I've done that, it means I've done my job," Tangaere said.
"The lungs felt better today than on the weekend when we played in the mud at Hawera. We're getting better and better with each game ... you've got to remember Harbour have had some big wins and we kept them close," Tangaere said referring to Harbour's 45-21 and 64-10 pre-season wins against Auckland and Northland respectively.
"They had some big names and James Parsons is one of the players I look up to," Tangaere said, pointing to his one-game All Black opponent.
"It's a shame Dad wasn't here to see it. It's a weekday and he is working down in Wellington," Tangaere added, referring to former Magpies hooker John Tangaere.
While the Magpies had the bulk of possession and territory in the first half, North Harbour had established a 17-0 lead before Taranaki referee Paul Williams blew the halftime whistle. By that stage, the hosts were on the receiving end of a 9-3 penalty count - Philpott believed several were dubious.
Philpott agreed all three of Harbour's tries were the result of poor defensive connections between the outside and inside backs and these were tidied at halftime. Powerful winger Afa Faatau scored the visitors' first try in the 18th minute. Busy blindside flanker Dylan Lam scored the second in the 26th minute and Blues halfback Bryn Hall the third in the 34th minute.
Like fellow winger Matt Garland, Mason Emerson was guilty of rushing out of the defensive line on too many occasions but he was still the pick of the Magpies backs. He made a spectacular burst from deep inside the Bay's red zone which led to No8 Fa'alemiga Selesele's 58th-minute try.
In fact, Emerson could have scored himself and many spectators felt he was going to bomb it when he turned back into the traffic but he managed to link up with Selesele.
Halfback Ellery Wilson proved it won't be long before he is back to his best after missing most of the club season.
Both first five-eighths Tiaan Falcon, who converted the Bay's tries, and Ihaia West operated well, while centre Jonah Lowe was courageous on defence. Lock Josh Eden-Whaitiri, who isn't in the Mitre 10 Cup squad, was close behind Tangaere in the battle for top forward.
Philpott was proud of how competitive his pack was against more experienced opponents. He said his biggest challenge between now and the August 20 Cup opener against Wellington at Napier's McLean Park is bringing his 13 Super players, who start training with the team on Monday, up to speed with the new breakdown and tackle rules so they are ready to put their hand up for selection.
It was pleasing to see many of those Super players among the crowd. They've obviously started their homework and their transition under the guidance of Philpott and his assistant, Danny Lee, should be relatively easy.
Yesterday's players proved they are becoming more familiar with the new rules and when Williams blew fulltime, the penalty count was 14-10 in Harbour's favour.
Substitute hooker Teremoana Joel celebrated his step up to the big time with a memorable tackle.
Injury concerns after yesterday included former All Black lock Ross Filipo (hamstring strain), blindside flanker Trent Boswell-Wakefield (shoulder) and prop Tolu Fahamokioa (hip).
Fullback Marty Swart, Faatau and Blues winger Tevita Li were always a threat for Harbour. Lam was the best of the Harbour forwards.
All the Harbour players deserve praise for their defensive work.
North Harbour 17 (Afa Faatau, Dylan Lam, Bryn Hall tries; Matt McGahan con) Hawke's Bay 14 (Jorian Tangaere, Fa'alemiga Selesele tries; Tiaan Falcon 2 cons). Halftime: 17-0.