Ihaia West enhanced his chances of New Zealand under-20 rugby team selection next month with a polished display for the Hawke's Bay Saracens last night.
The Havelock North first-five, who was a late replacement for the national team's final trial last year, kicked all four of his attempts at goalincluding a conversion from wide out during the Saracens 28-all draw with the Auckland Barbarians in Auckland.
"Ihaia had a very good all round game including his goalkicking," Magpies coach Craig Philpott said.
Philpott and his assistant Danny Lee are coaching the Saracens who led 21-7 at halftime and 28-7 with 18 minutes remaining.
"During the first 60 minutes we dominated set piece play and stretched the Barbarians wide. We were happy with that period of the match," Philpott said.
"Then we wanted to have a look at our 11 players who were on the bench as both teams were playing 26 players. It was a disappointing final 20. Those players will be disappointed and we will take responsibility also," Philpott explained.
The Barbarians scored a converted try in the final second to secure the draw. Former Auckland hooker Ash Dixon, who is aiming to regain a Magpies berth this season, had a huge work rate in the Saracens pack and scored two tries.
Winger Bryn Uriarau, who was unlucky not to make Hawke's Bay's Sevens team for the Queenstown-hosted nationals back in January, scored the other two tries.
Prop Brendon Edmonds, flankers Trent Boswell-Wakefield and Hugh Reed and centre Star Timu were others to impress Philpott. His only injury concern in the countdown to Thursday night's match against the Northland Vikings in Waipu is prop Jodi Allen who aggravated a toe injury.
