It wasn't a win but Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's head coach Craig Philpott was still proud of his troops effort in today's 17-14 pre-season loss to North Harbour at Napier's Tremain Park.
"Considering the experienced pack our boys were up against and the fact we've got 13 Super playersstill to return I was proud of the boys," Philpott said after the match.
North Harbour led 17-0 at halftime and the Magpies did well to hold them out for the entire second half. Hawke's Bay were on the receiving end of a 9-3 penalty count in the first half and Philpott claimed several of them were dubious.
He pointed out the connection between the Magpies inside and outside backs didn't function as well as it should have in the first half on defence. However this improved in the second half and this was a key factor in the visitors scoreless second 40.
Magpies hooker Jorian Tangaere, who scored the hosts first try in the 46th minute after some superb pick and go work from the forwards, put his hand up for selection in the 23 for the Mitre 10 Cup opener against Wellington and Philpott said he could be an option if Hurricanes hooker Ricky Riccitelli has to play looshead prop.
Lock Josh Eden-Whaitiri, who isn't in the Mitre 10 Cup squad, was a tireless worker in the host pack. Winger Mason Emerson was thirsty for work and his burst from deep inside the Magpies red zone led to No 8 Fa'alemiga Selesele's try in the 58th minute.
Halfback Ellery Wilson proved it won't be long before he is back to his best after missing most of the club season. Both first five-eighths Tiaan Falcon and Ihaia West operated well while centre Jonah Lowe was courageous on defence.
Magpies injury concerns after the match were former All Black lock Ross Filipo with a hamstring strain, blindside flanker Trent Boswell-Wafefield with a shoulder injury and prop Tolu Fahamokioa with a hip injury.
