Donovan is excited about clash against Tech 'mates'

Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports captain Marcus Donovan will be in party mode well before kick off in tomorrow's feature Hawke's Bay premier clash.
But it doesn't mean fans can accuse Donovan and his teammates of being confident in the buildup to their Challenge Trophy challenge against Tui Nash Cup holders and the other unbeaten side Napier Technical at Whitmore Park. Donovan's son M.J. turns three on April 22 but the birthday is being celebrated tomorrow so it doesn't clash with the family's Easter commitments the following week.
It's fair to say Donovan is just as excited about the Whitmore Park visit as his son is about the birthday.
"The boys have been working hard. We've had a few good games but we're trying not to get cocky.
"Every game is hard in this competition and being top of the table we know we're marked men," said Donovan, 24, while on a smoko break from his job with Panton Plumbing Ltd.
The former Hawke's Bay B and Hawke's Bay under-20s representative said a key to his team's success this season has been the "no training no start policy."
"That's why I was on the bench in our first game against Clive. I couldn't make training because of work commitments," said Donovan who had three years in the Napier Boys' High School 1st XV.
He agreed the clash of the loose forwards trios will play a huge part in the outcome of the game. The No8 will be joined by flankers Karl Bloxham and Dane McCarthy.
While Tech will miss their captain and No8 Trent Boswell-Wakefield, who has a broken ankle, the hosts will still boast a classy loose trio in No8 Darren Deeley and flankers Hugh Reed and Luke Wishnowsky.
"I played school rugby with Luke and Bucky [Tech midfield back Richard Buckman]. It's always good playing against mates in the Tech side," said Donovan.
"I know we are going to be up against it in terms of support. Hopefully we can get a few of our supporters along."
His team will miss the services of their regular starting halfback-first five-eighth combo of Mike Ruru and Aayden Clarke who are both injured. Donovan has welcomed the arrival of former Clive player David Neilsen, who will start in the No10 jersey, at his club.
"Duck [Neilsen] can play in two or three different positions and do a top job," said Donovan.
Neilsen's ability to cope with the goalkicking responsibilities has the potential to be another key factor in the game's outcome.
At the other end of the points table Taradale and Central will be chasing their first win in the comp when they clash at Carters Arms Park. The other winless side, Clive, can expect another tough day at the office when they host Havelock North.
Close encounters are expected when Tamatea host neighbours Hastings Rugby and Sports at Bill Mathewson Park and Napier Old Boys Marist host MAC at Park Island.