Rugby: Magpies need to be in Stags' faces

Brendon Edmonds has been a regular at keeping the ball steady for his goalkickers during a windy ITM Cup season. Photo / Glenn Taylor

It's not quite a case of bring back the biff but more mongrel is a must for the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team tomorrow.

A lack of physicality at the confrontation area let the Magpies down during last weekend's 29-3 loss to the Manawatu Turbos in Palmerston North. If the Magpies are going to lock the Ranfurly Shield away for the summer it's important they up the aggression big time in tomorrow's ITM Cup Championship clash against the Southland Stags at McLean Park, Napier.

"Yes, we've got to get in their faces from the start," Magpies prop Brendon Edmonds said.

"We weren't there mentally against the Turbos. While we were there physically we didn't take it to them enough at confrontation time," Edmonds said.

With Edmonds, 23, switching from the Hurricanes to the Highlanders for the next two Super seasons, tomorrow's match is the ideal opportunity for him to stake an early claim for regular game time with the Highlanders next year. The Havelock North club player made one appearance for the Hurricanes this year from the wider training group and he said with the move south there was a chance of more game time.

"There's a bit more opportunity as a prop as they were lacking in that area this year."

After starting at tighthead against the Turbos, Edmonds will switch to his preferred loosehead role. This forces Adrian Barone to the subs bench and allows Canadian international Jason Marshall to start at tighthead.

"I don't mind either side at ITM Cup level but the loosehead gives me more opportunity to attack the opposing scrum," Edmonds said.

He knows the Stags boast some big forwards who like to impose their game on packs.

"We just need to bring our energy and our game plan," he said.

Edmonds has been doing enough to warrant selection in the New Zealand Maori team for their end-of-year tour to Asia but has yet to have any contact with the Maori selectors.

"I just have to keep trying to do my best and if it's good enough I will get the call," Edmonds said.

If he can continue to shine like he has been and help the Magpies retain the shield and gain promotion to the Premiership for next year he will be hard to ignore.

Magpies captain Brendon O'Connor, who returns from his hip injury, will start at No8 for the first time this season. He replaces Mark Atkins, who shifts to the subs bench.

The only other change to the starting XV used against the Turbos sees Shannan Chase replace Mikey Vuicakau on the left wing.

Magpies head coach Craig Philpott has opted for a five forward-two back split on his subs bench. When asked if this was in anticipation of a brutal forward battle with the Stags Philpott replied: "No, it's for our own reasons and all will be revealed on Saturday. You are likely to see changes in a whole lot of areas."

Should Barone complete five minutes off the pine he will earn his blazer in recognition of 1000 completed minutes.

Former Magpie Mark Jackman will start at centre for the Stags. A former All Black Sevens rep, Jackman scored 66 points in 31 first-class games for the Magpies between 2008-2011.

Tomorrow is Saracens Day at Napier's McLean Park. Hawke's Bay Rugby Union president Blair Furlong said it will be the ideal opportunity for former Magpies to catch up with mates and watch the Ranfurly Shield match. The Saracens' annual meeting and lunch begins 2pm.