Rugby: Veteran out to break his duck with the Magpies

Hawkes Bay v Nelson Bays

Experienced rugby midfield back Murdoch Paewai has never played in a NPC title-winning Hawkes Bay team.

Paewai, aged 28, who has totalled 89 games for Hawkes Bay since his debut in 1991, returns to the side at centre for today's second-division semifinal against Nelson Bays at McLean Park in Napier.

He missed last weekend's loss to Mid-Canterbury in the final round-robin match because of an injury.

He knows a win today would give him and the team a chance to play for a title.

"It's a matter of taking one game at a time. We have to reduce our errors and put points on the board in every scoring opportunity we get," said Paewai, who won an NPC second-division title with the Central Vikings in 1998.

His return, and that of halfback Reece Spee from an ankle injury, and the switch back to first five-eighths from centre of Antony Papenfus, means the Hawkes Bay backline will be the same as that which functioned so well in the 31-20 win against King Country three weeks ago.

"Hopefully, we can reproduce our King Country performance, because that's what it's going to take to beat Nelson Bays," Paewai said.

After being a doubtful starter earlier in the week with a calf strain, second five-eighths Davis Norman will turn out today.

Defending champions Nelson Bays have won their last four games to qualify for the semifinals.

Hawkes Bay coach Mark Shaw said Nelson Bays were a well-balanced side.

In experienced first five-eighths Warren Johnston, who is retiring from representative rugby at the end of this season, they have a proven matchwinner.

Others worthy of respect in the backline include captain and halfback Dion Mytton, centre Joe Faaiu and fullback Mark Milne.

Flanker Graham Ching and No 8 Mark De Goldi were both prominent when Nelson Bays beat Hawkes Bay 23-13 in last year's semifinals.

Nelson Bays manager Garry McLean said his players expected Hawkes Bay to be fired up after losing last weekend.

Hawkes Bay: Aaron Hamilton, Karl Mudzamba, Murdoch Paewai, Kirk Wotherspoon, Davis Norman, Antony Papenfus, Reece Spee, Mutu Ngarimu, Tafai Ioasa, Reece Robinson (capt), Daniel Quate, Michael Johnson, Peter Bielski, Onehunga Mata'uiau, Clint Newland. Reserves: Ricky Sciascia, Scott Leighton, Ray Karauria, Mahonri Schwalger, rgeCampbell Johnstone, Robert Evans, Nisifolo Naufahu.

Nelson Bays: Mark Milne, Mark McHutchon, Joe Faaiu, Gary Stevens, Butch Little, Warren Johnston, Dion Mytton (capt), Mark De Goldi, Graham Ching, Peter Bowden, Kahu Marfell, Cory Holdaway, Blair Ross, Gavin Briggs, Blair Mirfin.

Reserves: Steve Dunn, Brad Wallace, Greg Stewart, Aaron Griffith, Darien Hildreth, Robby Warrender, Fraser Smith.

- NZPA