"Climb in behind the Chiefs ... we've got the most Magpies."
That's the message to Hawke's Bay fans from Chiefs assistant coach and former Magpies co-coach Tom Coventry five days out from the Chiefs' third-round Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders at Napier's McLean Park.
"Brodie was saying the other day it will be more of a home game for us than the Crusaders because we've got seven Magpies from last year and the Crusaders have got two," Coventry said referring to Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick.
"We've also got a few Manawatu boys who will attract some support from Palmy way," Coventry explained.
Coventry, who was on the Magpies coaching staff for five seasons, is looking forward to returning to a ground which he said produced a special part of his coaching career.
He agreed the Chiefs won't be lacking confidence after Friday night's 29-14 win against the Blues in Hamilton.
"It was a much better effort," Coventry said. He was particularly pleased with the performance of one of his Hawke's Bay projects, prop Ben Tameifuna, in his Super Rugby debut.
"Ben had been lying in wait and got selected a little bit earlier than expected.
"He trained well, is as strong as an ox and did a good job," Coventry said as he reflected on the 20-year-old's 48 minutes of action.
Tameifuna's 2011 New Zealand under-20 teammate and former Magpies lock Retallick again impressed former Samoa forwards coach Coventry.
"Brodie has got better and stronger with each game and that includes all three of our pre-season games," Coventry explained.
He pointed out former Magpies hooker and Samoa captain Mo Schwalger and the Magpies former All Black hooker Hika Elliot are likely to feature in a close tussle for the No2 jersey all season. Coventry said Schwalger's edge at scrum time got him the nod against the Blues.
"It was important we had the right mix particularly with Ben [Tameifuna] on debut.
"Hika's link play worked well when we ejected him in the second spell ... they both have contrasting styles which will suit at different times."
Defence was where the Chiefs displayed the most improvement after their first round loss to the Highlanders. Coventry said they had worked hard on that aspect of their game.
"Attack will change depending on the opposition from week to week but the defence won't.
"If you can keep executing your defence well under pressure you can do well," Coventry explained.
Coventry pointed out he is enjoying his role with the Chiefs.
"It's a pleasure to be part of such a good environment. In terms of pressure it's not a lot different to being with the Magpies ... the main pressure comes from within, from my expectation to do a good job."
Tameifuna's uncle and long-serving Magpies prop Sona Taunalolo was again outstanding for the Chiefs and scored the first try of the match. Versatile Magpies forward Kane Thompson had a high workrate at No8 and Magpies inside back Andrew Horrell made his Super Rugby debut with 30 minutes off the bench at second five-eighth for the Chiefs.
Magpies halfback Chris Eaton played the first 51 minutes of the Hurricanes 30-28 win against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday morning.
One of the Magpies first five-eighths for the past two season, Daniel Kirkpatrick, got the final 13 minutes.
Magpies fullback Israel Dagg scored the Crusaders first try while playing on the left wing during the first half of their 27-24 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Dagg switched to fullback in the second half and this allowed his All Blacks and Magpies teammate Zac Guildford to play the second half on the left wing, his first outing of the season.
Guildford was thirsty for work and put halfback Andy Ellis in for his try.