Rugby: Magpies on mend after brutal shield encounter

LOOKING GOOD: Hopes are high Richard Buckman will be fit for Wednesday night's game against Wellington. PHOTO/Paul Taylor

There was more good news than bad for Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby coach Craig Philpott as he studied his injury list yesterday.

While Thursday night's Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland was brutal, fullback Israel Dagg, who will miss the remainder of the season with a dislocated shoulder, is likely to be the only long-term casualty from the 17-12 victory at Napier's McLean Park.

A scan yesterday revealed centre Richard Buckman's ankle injury is a sprain and not a break as initially feared. Philpott said Buckman could be available for Wednesday night's match against Wellington in the capital.

Flanker Tom Stanley had stitches to a cut above the eye and will be available to take on the Lions. Hooker Ricky Riccitelli collected a new injury to the same ankle which was injured earlier in the season and is likely to miss the Wellington trip.

Prop Brendon Edmonds was hit by a virus and bout of diarrhoea on Thursday night. He is expected to resume full training Monday.

The Magpies will travel to Wellington on Tuesday afternoon.

-Bay of Plenty remain in the ITM Cup Championship semifinals calculations after a dreary encounter against Northland in Whangarei last night.

Off the back of a scrum that had Northland in reverse and a strong lineout, the Steamers gained the upper hand early on and never relinquished the initiative.

Bay of Plenty's first half showcased a dominant scrum, nice goalkicking by first-five Nick Evemy, and the creation of several chances, but all too often poor execution ruined the play.

The first try came a few minutes into the second spell when Steamers wing Elijah Nicholas scored in the corner.

Bay of Plenty 37 (Elijah Nicholas, Lalakai Foketi, Keepa Mewett tries, penalty try; Dan Hollinshead 4 con, Nick Evemy 3 pen) Northland 5 (Dan Hawkins try). HT: 9-0. with NZME