SHANE HURNDELL
Hurricanes selectors take note - that was Karl Lowe in the Hawke's Bay rugby side's No.7 jersey yesterday.
SportToday got the impression Lowe was out to make a statement to the Canes selectors during the Kelt Capital Magpies' 31-13 pre-season win against Taranaki at Napier's McLean Park. It was the ideal occasion for the Clive kingpin, who was disappointed on missing out on a Canes Super 14 berth for this year as well as an extended squad contract, to strut his stuff.
Lowe and his fellow Magpies forwards were up against a handy Taranaki pack which included New Zealand Maori and Hurricanes No.7 Scott Waldrom. But Super 14 selection was the furthest thing from Lowe's mind as he produced turnover after turnover, tackle after tackle and scored a 50th-minute try after yet another Taranaki fumble which would have given the Magpies the bonus point had it been an Air New Zealand Cup encounter.
``I'm just focused on doing my job for the team. I'm looking no further ahead than the Cup opener against Wellington,' said Lowe.
``You're right, that Taranaki pack was better than the Waikato one we faced last week ... bigger and definitely more physical at the breakdown. Hopefully we can keep going like that,' he added.
It was the domination of Lowe and co up front which allowed first five-eighth Matt Berquist and his fellow backs to turn on the razzle-dazzle. True, there wasn't the same fire consistently as there was against Waikato but there was enough to give the Magpies and their fans confidence as the Cup approaches.
Berquist's high kicks for the corner, which centre Sam Giddens scored from on both occasions, were spot on. You had to be at the game to fully appreciate them. Ditto the tries scored by second five-eighth Dan Waenga and winger Zac Guildford. Waenga gets better with each game, although he wouldn't have been happy with his laboured passing when he had a stint at first five-eighth in the second half.
Guildford's try was a cracker - a clever kick-and-gather move before he outsprinted the defence to dot down.
While happy with the result, Magpies coach Peter Russell pointed out there was still plenty for his troops to work on in their final Cup rehearsal against Manawatu in Palmerston North on Friday.
In particular, he will be seeking improved patience in their opponents' 22.
Russell was pleased the momentum continued when he made numerous changes in the second half.
Former Wanganui fullback Asalemo Malo and replacement prop Carl Carmichael were the pick of the Taranaki players. Taranaki lacked the necessary urgency to be a threat to their hosts and conceded numerous soft turnovers - a result of the defensive pressure Lowe and co put on their visitors.
Yes, folks, all the ingredients are there for the ``Cage of Rage' (McLean Park's nickname) to again become one hell of a fortress come Cup time.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay 31 (Sam Giddens 2, Dan Waenga, Zac Guildford, Karl Lowe tries; Matt Berquist 2, Mark Jackman cons) Taranaki 13 (Asalemo Malo, Nemia Soqeta tries; Willie Ripia pen). HT: 12-3.
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