Irish Stint: Tianua Poto is back from Ireland and will play a pivotal role for Clive today. Photo/Duncan Brown
The battle for second ... that's where the hot action is in Hawke's Bay's Nash Cup premier club rugby competition this season.
Unbeaten defending champions Napier Old Boys Marist can afford to lose one of their remaining four games - which is unlikely - and still retain the cup. However, five teams, K9 Petfoods Clive, Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports, Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical, Progressive Meats Havelock North and Carters Frame and Truss Taradale all have a shot at second.
Today's sixth-round clash between second-placed Clive and third-placed Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park is a key game in the tussle. With Clive and Magpies utility back Tiaan Falcon on international duty with the New Zealand under-20s in Aussie there are likely to be more than a few Hastings supporters who would back the hosts to record a comfortable win.
But handy inside back Tianua Poto returned from Ireland a fortnight ago and played his first game of the season for the riversiders when they walloped Central 46-15 at Farndon Park last weekend in Falcon's absence. As the score suggests it was as if Poto, 23, hadn't been away.
"After missing out on the Magpies last year I just wanted to go overseas for a break and gather myself," Poto said yesterday.
"Then the opportunity to play in Ireland came up and I thought I would give it a go."
He played for the Dungannon club which is based 40 minutes west of Belfast in Northern Ireland. They finished fifth in the All Ireland 2B League and Poto had stints in the 10, 12 and 15 jerseys.
"Because teams in the league are only allowed one overseas player I was the only Kiwi in the top team but there were some young Kiwis from Dilworth School in Auckland playing for the seconds and colts," Poto explained.
"Danny [former Magpies co-coach Lee] gave me a few work-ons, which were defence related, to improve when I was in Ireland. Hopefully I have improved where I should have."
"Cracking the Magpies is the ultimate goal this season. But helping to get Clive to the top is the priority and if that happens making the Magpies could take care of itself."
Poto agreed his return was ideal timing in the wake of Falcon's departure.
"I was stoked for him. We challenge each other and my goal is to hold on to the No10 jersey. At the same time it's good we can both play other positions."
When Poto was in Ireland he would often stay up until 4am at weekends waiting for his Clive teammates to relay the club scores from the Bay.
"It was a good buzz to hear how well the boys were doing. Hopefully we can stay in second place. This weekend's game will be interesting. Hastings will push us."
Poto said being in Ireland when the Irish beat the All Blacks in Chicago was an experience. He missed out on tickets to Six Nations match between Ireland and England.
Clive head coach Blair Cross pointed out his troops have had a good draw to build a bit of confidence.
"We've got a tough ride home now with the likes of Hastings, NOBM, Taradale and Havelock North."
"We consider it a bonus when we have the likes of Tiaan and Jonah playing for us. We plan for each game as if we're playing without them."
Hastings Rugby and Sports co-manager and former Magpie James Rosenberg said the hosts will be close to full strength. Magpies flanker Ben Hamelink has a shoulder concern and a decision on his availability will be made prior to kick off.
"Clive have been going well and we know we will have to shut down their talented backs like Jonah [Lowe]. Our defence has to be on," Rosenberg said.
"Our set piece play was consistent up until we played Tech a couple of weeks ago ... that will have to be at its best too," he added.
It's no secret Hastings' powerful bench has been a key to their success too. With the likes of loosie Danya Tulou and props Dennis Tapusoa providing significant impact this could give the hosts the edge if they are ahead going into the final 15.
However, recent form suggests Clive should win by seven. In other matches Napier Technical are capable of a 15-point win against Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Whitmore Park, Havelock North should beat Northfuels Central by 19 at Anderson Park, Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist are capable of racking up a 29-point victory against Tamatea at Bill Mathewson Park and Taradale should beat MAC by 20 at Tareha Reserve.