@Higgins I just saw this post from Tech on their instagram page:

napier_technical L o a d i n g ⏳

Gibson Popoalii, Midfield

Liam Udy Johns, Loose forward

Nathaniel Hauiti, Prop

Waitangi Tuisuga, Midfield

Is the fourth name the other new midfielder you were talking about?

I googled him and he played for Mid-Canterbury in last year's Heartland Competition, but was on loan from Canterbury, where he played club rugby for Sumner.

@Canes4life I don't know his height, but he is quite tall. On the photo below, he's in the 5 jersey, in-between Bethel Malasia (13) and his brother Reuben (19). Bethel is a big back; Reuben is also a lock.

alt text

Will Wellington still have the Shield then?
Assuming they get past the likes of South Canterbury and East Coast they have these on the menu
19 August v Southland
23 August v Tasman
2 September v Counties Manakau
24 September v North Harbour
9 October v Hawkes Bay

Games of the season take place on Sept 9 (BoP) and Sept 15 (The 'Poo), thankfully both of them at home at long last

@Bones said in QF - Wellington vs Hawkes Bay:

@mikey07 said in QF - Wellington vs Hawkes Bay:

@foobaNZ Starting Morgan is a must for a start yeah I totally agree with you about the pack looking toast which is weird considering most of them were rested last week

I only saw the highlights but JGB looked to have a strong hand in many of the lions points. Was the rest that bad?

I thought he had a good game. But kicked too much. But after being rubbish during super rugby and until CM he's been so much better

Disappointing game from Hotham. Poor passes, terrible box kicks and shitty option tacking. He seemed to panic when under even moderate pressure

Weber was considerably better

@Nepia Just focus on cheering for Chiefs midfielder Rameka Poihipi!

@booboo said in Hawkes Bay v Wellington (RS):

@Machpants said in Hawkes Bay v Wellington (RS):

@booboo said in Hawkes Bay v Wellington (RS):

Haven't read the thread, and only kept a passing eye on the highlights on Stan, but ...

... thought TJ did his best to lose that at the end.

Firstly, play the advantage out, it will always come back to the penalty.

Secondly, don't get yourself, as skipper, sin binned with time up.

It was a bollocks call, he was airborne when he hit the guys arm, and came from behind the ruck - perfectly legal. Other times that would be a great turn over

Just to clarify, my first point was not playing out the advantage on attack for the kick that missed. Why not play it out?

I agree with that, dumb. But his card was incorrect - so he didn't get himself sin binned, the ref fucked up IMO.

It's a pity this conversion wasn't included in the highlights clip. How often does a loosie kick a perfect sideline conversion?

Mikaele-Tu'u kicked the conversion because it was his 50th game for the Magpies.

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@ACT-Crusader said in Canterbury v Hawkes Bay:

@Nepia said in Canterbury v Hawkes Bay:

@Stargazer said in Canterbury v Hawkes Bay:

@Nepia Yeah, that was so dumb! Total brain explosion. Still rather him than Sapsford or Higgins at 12.

Normally me too - but my anger at the forward pass and Toala stupidity hasn’t subsided yet. 🤣

I had to scroll through the thread three or four times looking for your posts of anger with the forward pass to Visinia for HB’s first try. Just couldn’t find them….

That one should have been reviewed by the TMO too (not sure why you expect me to get angry on behalf of your province) as it may well have been forward like the game changing one we're discussing.

Shit weekend for someone who supports Harbour, AB's and Fulham.

I only saw the last half hour (didn't want to start drinking any earlier) but I thought Hawkes Bay were quite lucky. Not that Harbour deserved to win but could easily have gone the other way.

Ok. As per watching way behind and dont know result ...

Have issues with Weber's 2nd try. Looked like a knock on to me.

Amazing how they managed to make a highlights video of 12 minutes from such a low-scoring and pretty average game.

@ACT-Crusader I thought he was gonna be an ATG when he burst into the scene at Penrith lol, then somehow ended up at Hawke's Bay, and looked absolutely awful haha. So random thinking about it.

@Stargazer said in Waikato v Hawke's Bay:

@TheMojoman said in Waikato v Hawke's Bay:

On paper this is match of the round.

You weren't wrong.

What a game, outstanding.

THe worst ever HB Tipping Team result two weeks ago was surpassed last week with an even worse drubbing against the same opposition. However they may have fallen into our trap of being the only team still in the running to win two NPC Team Tipping Trophies after the demise of Minor Premiers Wairarapa-Bush in a big upset after the very late Southland penalty turn what was looking like a narrow win of Harbour-Auckland into a narrow loss for them. We have the Minor Premiership Wooden Spoon safely tucked away and now only have to find a way to lose to Northland to annex the Real Wooden Spoon. Things are looking quite promising on that score with jus usual chain dragging me being the only one to tip so far
EDIT As I write this @stockcar86 has just fronted. That is a good indication that, like me, he too is getting in early to ensure he can get to McLean Park early to get his pick of what is expected to be a large number of unoccupied seats given the not so friendly weather conditions here today.

Just waiting to see if the likes of @Paj @delicatessen @Stargazer and @BorderJB can get their tips in in time for all games to count. It would be a shame to make it obviously something devious was afoot if we fronted four tippers short to ensure we win The Spoon, especially so when we have had not much trouble getting toppled each week with enough counting scorers anyway!
Naturally a HB 17+ margin is expected but you will not be voodoo pinned if you opt for just a home 9 - 16. Interesting a late surge (well two tippers anyway) have opted for Tasman as the lowest scorers for the round. Disappointingly neither of those are members of the HB Tipping Team!

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Always something to look forward to when attending matches at McLean Park

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@stargazer said in Is this for real?:

It's a good thing that Larsen is getting some help, but as he's still there, it won't make the favouritism go away.

Don't know why the Hurricanes are funding part of this when they don't generally take players from HB anyway (unless the are taken by the Wgtn Lions directly out of school and placed school into one of the OBU, MSP and Petone clubs). As it looks like it is a NZRFU driven project the likes of the other four franchises will be made more aware of any talent uncovered that they might not know about through their own spying networks. At least the HBRFU people generally sign up promising locals, other than those that head off to university, before the others get their hands on them which is something to be thankfully for so there probably won't be many of our guys slipping through our fingers.

This is where our 2022 Magpies will be playing in the first half of 2023 :

(I have only included those that have been publically announced, no rumours) 2003 Super Rugby Pacific

Moana Pasifika
Joe 'Apikotoa
Ereatara Enari
Neria Foma'i
Solomone Funaki
Lincoln McClutchie
Danny Toala
Sione Tu'ipulotu
Anzelo Tu'itavuki
Lolagi Visinia

Hurricanes
Jacob Devery
Devan Flanders
Pouri Rakete-Stones
Isaia Walker-Leawere

Highlanders
Folau Fakatava
Jonah Lowe
Marino Mikaele-Tu'u

Chiefs
Brodie Retallick
Tyrone Thompson
Brad Weber

Rebels
Stacey Ili

Western Force
Chase Tiatia

2023 Major League Rugby

Lolani Faleiva (Toronto Arrows)
Joel Hintz (New England Free Jacks)
Tupou Ma’afu Afungia (San Diego Legion)
Connor McLeod (Utah Warriors)
Gene Syminton (Toronto Arrows)

Other competitions

Nick Grigg (Carcassonne, Pro D2)

Retired

Bryn Evans
Jason Long

Coaches

Francisco Deformes (Toronto Arrows)
Josh Syms (Old Glory DC)

I will keep this list up-to-date and add names as soon as their signings or call-ups have been announced.

From a pay-walled article about halfback Kahlia Awa, who made her debut for the Tui, this year.

A Hawke's Bay Tui player in the Farah Palmer Cup and New Zealand Secondary Schools' netballer, life's a juggle for the Hastings Girls' High School Year 13 student.

"During the week it's training in the morning, school, training, back home again at eight o'clock, sleep and just repeat," Awa said.

Saturday means matches and this weekend is no different.

The talented midcourter is trialling for the Central Manawa, who are the feeder side for the Central Pulse franchise.

In January, there are trials to make the Hurricanes Poua team for Super Rugby Aupiki.

Wellington will end up being Awa's destination for 2023, but whether she'll spend it in a dress or a rugby jumper remains up in the air.

There's some gentle pressure being applied from both sides but, thankfully, none from parents Duane and Shontelle, nor coaches such as Emma Jensen.

Jensen's been in a similar position herself. A New Zealand age-group hockey player, who went on to win three Rugby World Cups with the Black Ferns, she is now the deputy principal at Hastings Girls' and the 1st XV coach.

"There's a lot of things she has to weigh up, because she could make it in any sport she tries," Jensen said.

"I know netball are after her, but I also know that the Black Ferns will look at her as well and the Hurricanes have already mooted that she's a player on their radar and that she's likely to pick up a Super Rugby contract within the next couple of years.

"It's about having some fun and finding what she enjoys the most and that's pretty much the advice that I've given her. She just needs to make the right decision for herself, because you'll have a lifelong career in it if you're happy."

Awa has always excelled in most things. A prodigiously-talented basketballer, she's also a Ross Shield-winning captain, touch and rugby league player.

But now we're down to two sports where the professional ranks beckon, both of which appeal in slightly different ways.

Awa was Jensen's understudy as Tui halfback this year but, with the latter having recently retired, the Hawke's Bay No 9 jersey is hers - should she opt for rugby.

Hawkes Bay Today, Sport, Sport, Rugby Netball or rugby? The juggling act of Flaxmere's rising sporting star Netball or rugby? The juggling act of Flaxmere's rising sporting star

Kahlia Awa's a Tui and could be a Hurricane. But the Pulse could come calling too.

@Stockcar86
In case you missed it 😊

Napier Technical Old Boys CC, SUPERCHILL Div 2a Tigers vs. Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby CC, Division 2 on cricHQ. Napier Technical Old Boys CC, SUPERCHILL Div 2a Tigers vs. Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby CC, Division 2 on cricHQ.

Keep up with Napier Technical Old Boys CC, SUPERCHILL Div 2a Tigers vs. Napier Old Boys Marist Rugby CC, Division 2 ball-by-ball, with live score updates, player stats, and match commentary. 04 Feb 23 at Nelson Park New Zealand - Central Districts, Waipawa Butchery Division 2 - Round: 1

Interesting to note that there were no LBWs awarded in the second innings, and it wouldn't have been for lack of appeals!

Incidentally not holding out too much hope for the Hawkeyes in Palm Nth tonight, but you just never know, all it takes is just one bit hit!

@old-samurai-jack said in Hawke's Bay v Tasman (Premiership Semi-final):

Friggen brilliant! Didn't expect that at all!
As a side note, why is Ennor on tour with the ABs and a certain Tasman centre is not?

I agree, I reckon the magpies would have won if he was up there.

@taniwharugby said in Hawke's Bay v Northland:

@kev conditioning plays a big factor in decision making, particularly as the game goes on.

So many of our guys look unfit.

Basically a shambles, a decent 40 mins v Waikato, rest of the season pretty shit, again.

This.

@act-crusader said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato (RS):

@williethewaiter said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato (RS):

That last shoulder charge pisses me off in general.. That's what a red card should be for.. dirty cheap shots..

Add to that Toala putting his hands up and asking the the ref “what did I do?”. Clear as day shoulder charge with no attempt whatsoever to wrap arm(s) around. Should always be a red.

Any update on Tongia? He was down for a bit

You're rubbing it on a bit thick, he slightly put his hands up at the time and then acknowledged the card with a gesture to the ref as he walked off.

On replay I think @Bones is correct Tongia cut in just as Toala was setting for the tackle.

I would post diagramed pics if I was Australian and/or not lazy.

@cgrant said in Canterbury v Hawke's Bay:

On the positive side, we must reckon the Magpies are a very well coached team. Kudos for Ozich and his assistants. They have done a great job with underrated players such as Parsons, Toala, Enari and Kaifa, just to name a few.

They are definitely no underrated by HB supporters at least. We know a thing or two about how to rate players properly given the torment of some of those thrust upon us in the past.

Just saw this photo on Facebook. Hugh Renton getting a bit of banter from his former team mates haha.

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@higgins Sorry, I couldn't find it either. He was named in the Wellington XV squad in 2003, and the Wellington Lions in 2003 and 2004.

Edit: I found this article:

Centre Willie Lafaele stole Christian Cullen's thunder as a Wellington XV beat Hawkes Bay 38-11 in a representative rugby match on a soggy Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt yesterday.

All Blacks selector Mark Shaw and most of the 1000-plus crowd had come to see All Blacks discard Cullen make New Zealand coach John Mitchell eat humble pie, but left none the wiser after the fullback produced an unconvincing display.

It wasn't that Cullen played badly. He scored a good individual try, sparked several counter-attacks, including engineering a 60-metre effort to wing Sireli Bobo.

But he kicked aimlessly at times and generally appeared to lack the urgency of a player who should be on the brink of World Cup selection.

In contrast, former NZ Colt Lafaele was a ball of energy, outstanding in all aspects of the game.

Looking at the finalc score, it wasn't a close game.

@kiwipie said in Hawkes v Bay of Plenty - Shield Match!:

@cpt-kumera said in Hawkes v Bay of Plenty - Shield Match!:

Interesting chase and mitch got subbed early in the 2nd. The last 4.5 years they been our best players

Some of Tiatia's kicking was poor in that first half. And Trask wasn't a calm head at 10. We looked much better with Black at 10 and Trask at 15.

I was pretty happy you left Black on the bench as long as you did, imagine losing to an Of Plenty team with a Manawatu poach at ten. Talk about indignity.

@higgins said in Hawke's Bay v Otago (Ranfurly Shield):

@delicatessen I saw Connor McLeod being helped by the physio back into the changing rooms as the team went back inside to complete whatever they do about 7 minutes prior to kick off. I can only summise that you must declare your matchday 23 to the referee and opposition maybe half an hour before kick off and any injuries etc after that time it is just bad luck and there is no provision for any late additions. Guess that must be to even things up for visiting teams who obviously would not have access to a third halfback for example that late in the game.

Yep, he stuffed his knee in the warmup.

His replacement will probably be Zach Donaldson.

The halfbacks in the Development Team's three matches in the last three weeks have been Trent Hape, Humphrey Sheild and Shamara Brooks.

Although ... I did see Aidan Thomas at the game yesterday - it was Saracens Day ....

How that try could have been disallowed ?

Well we certainly got our behinds kicked bigtime last weekend and start the second half of the final a whooping eight points behind. Damn you Canterbury and damn you Tasman!
With the lineup of games this week there is not really many games that could go either way that could give us the edge so we are going to have to rely on super accuracy with our margin tippings to try and erase the deficit. Even then we might have to rely on one of the Counties tippers to either have a nightmare or to forget to tip, or maybe even both!!!!!!

Anyway good luck guys - Cut off time is again 7.04pm tonight

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@stockcar86 He stepped nicely off his left foot a couple of times in the first half to easily get past his opponent and there was a very nice flick on of the ball when under pressure to create space for the player outside him later on. I agree with you, he shows promise but you have to take into consideration the amateur level of the opposition, particularly their ability to fall off tackles when tiredness set in. In addition our guys would probably have had at least 80% of possession. A clear case of professionals v amateurs in this case.

I would have expected the Shield Defenders to utterly slaughter the challengers given the difference in personnel available to each team but that did not really happen. I know that might not make sense when 93 points were raked up but I got the impression that the Magpies were holding an awful lot back that they might not have wanted video analysists of upcoming opponents to see. For example I would have expected the scrum to shunt the Coast backwards big time every scrum (they did not) and to swing the ball wide showing off Harlem Globetrotter like plays way more than they did. We must also consider that it was nowhere near the complete Bunnings Cup team on the field at the same time at any stage so Messrs Ozich and Syms were keeping things under their hats to a certain degree.

@stargazer With 85 points scored the highlights package would probably be almost the length of the entire game.

Hastings very unlucky; a very bad pass from the reserve halfback gave a T'dale player the chance to kick the ball ... hitting a Hastings player, meaning a knock by Hastings.

One final scrum and Taradale kicks the ball out.

Taradale are the Maddison Trophy winners and I have to say it, it's well-deserved despite it being a game of two halves. They're winning the double this year.

Full time: Hastings 15 - 21 Taradale

@stargazer said in 2021 Hawke's Bay Representative Rugby:

Saw some posts on instagram. It looks like Jordan Thompson-Dunn has signed a contract with a Portuguese club. I don't know which one. I hope he'll come back and hasn't give up on a Magpies jersey, yet. He's still so young, but young players seem more impatient these days.

I think former (6-cap) Magpie Hayden Hann is still playing there.

So Jordan Thompson-Dunn is playing for Sport Lisboa e Benfica in the Portuguese Divisão de Honra (the top tier of domestic rugby in Portugal). Looking at their team sheets, he plays mostly at 10.

And now uncapped 2019 Magpie Tyrone Dodd-Edwards, who has finally recovered from a serious leg injury that he suffered last year, has moved to Madrid where he was training on a field called Pozuelo de Alarcón in Madrid. No idea of the club, yet. There's a club from Madrid in the Spanish top division and a club in the B division that is based in that suburb.

Injury update (2 March 2022):

Devery (Hurricanes) - concussion
Cridge (Waratahs) - ankle injury
Ili (Rebels) - is injured, but I don't know what kind of injury he has
Visinia (Moana Pasifika) - still recovering from a foot injury; has started running again
Sapsford (Brumbies) ?? - don't know whether he is injured, or just not picked

long-term:
Walker-Leawere

Edit:
Overseas: all our players in the MLR are playing, except Robinson-Bartlett, who's been out with an "upper-body injury".
Falcon playing, too, in Japan (if the games aren't cancelled due to Covid).

two threads about shameless HB poaching?

For shame magpies, for shame...

Hard to go past Luke Rooney in 2010 in this poll.

They went looking for another fullback when Israel Dagg was selected into the AB's in June, and not likely to make many appearances that year, HB somehow came across Luke Rooney ...

Belated congratulations to the hawkes Bay, despite there being nothing to like about your union since Ian MacRae,(another poach from the West Coast!😜) retired. Fittingly the same nickname as the most beloved AFL team.

Nah, Fair dues played really good rugby and have a log to look at. Deserved victors, and a great season, you strange fucks 😉