Rugby: Magpies' NZ U20 hopefuls stand out

Mason Emerson.

Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players Jonah Lowe and Mason Emerson last night turned up the volume in their quest for New Zealand under-20 selection.

Centre Lowe scored two tries and winger Emerson one in outstanding displays for the Hawke's Bay Academy team during a 36-24 win against the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand elite course team in Palmerston North.

"That's the advantage of having these early games with the academy team. Our contenders for the Baby Blacks will get some game time under their belts before they return here for the first of the under-20 trials next month," Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's Player Development manager and academy team coach Joe Payton said.

The New Zealand under-20 team for the World Cup in England in June will be named in May. Magpies head coach Craig Philpott is an assistant coach of the side.

Payton said first five-eighth Tiaan Falcon, a son of former Maori All Black, Hurricane and Magpie Gordon Falcon, controlled the game well and was given the visitors' player-of-the-day award by the hosts' coaching staff.

However Payton and his coaching staff ranked second five-eighth Al Momoisea as the Bay's best.

Starting No8 Hannon Brighouse, a new arrival in the Bay from Wellington, and substitute openside flanker Will Tremain made the most of their opportunities.

Prop Pouri Rakete-Stones and substitute hookers Logan Ede and Jacob Devery scored the Bay's other tries and Falcon kicked three conversions.

"It was a typical first season hit out for the Bay team with several early turnovers and handling errors. But once we were into our systems we looked pretty good ... I was really happy," Payton added.

Two Hawke's Bay players, Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports winger Matt Garland and former Lindisfarne College lock Ben Freschini, were prominent for the IRANZ team.

Payton and co gave Garland the hosts' player-of-the-match award.