For 2016

Stargazer

It was announced as a Hawke's Bay Saracens game. That means that they will wear those awful yellow/maroon jerseys :puke:
 
There will be live commentary on Radio Eketahuna 106.5FM and online at <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.radioeketahuna.co.nz/'>http://www.radioeketahuna.co.nz/</a>

Higgins

Pretty sure I own a Saracens tie, will have to dig it out and take it up with me if I do venture over the Rimuitakas for the game. The attraction of a visit to the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Supporters Club's Gravel Pit Clubrooms is most appealing. Might be snookered if they don't have a license to operate on a Monday but fortunately both the Kuripuni Tavern and Masterton Cossie Club are within comfortable walking distance of Memorial Park.
 
I do recall bumping into the guy that does the Radio Eketahuna commentary at the aftermatch function in the WBRFU Lounge for one of their Heartland Championship matches last season (or maybe the one before that). Very pleasant company to discuss rugby and other sporting things with.

Stargazer

Hawke's Bay Saracens lead 35-7 at half-time. Two tries scored by Ethan Pritchard, one by Joe Penitito, one by Trent BW and one by Matt Garland. All tries converted by Tianua Poto.
 
I'm listening to the commentary, so haven't seen the game. The commentators sound impressed when talking about Waqa, Fahamokioa, Penitito and Tangaere. Scrum going well, good running by the backs.

Stargazer

Full time score: 68-19 to the Bay.
 
Apparently, the jersey numbers weren't quite right, but from what I understand the second half scorers for the Bay were Lucas Goodwin, Matt Garland, Jarvy Aoake, Junior Waqa, and another player. Poto missed one conversion and scored one. Another first-five (Snee?) converted three tries.
 
I hope one of you guys made it to the game & give some first-hand impressions. Some Magpies selections will be obvious, but it will be interesting to see who of these younger lads will make the cut.

Stockcar86

Final score from Masterton
The <a class="" href="https://www.facebook.com/hbsaracensrugby/">Hawkes Bay Saracens - Development - Rugby</a> team have defeated Wairarapa Bush 68-19.
Scorers for Hawkes Bay Dan McIntyre (2) 
Trent Boswell-Wakefield 
Matt Garland (2) 
Joseph Penitito 
Lucas Goodwin 
Jarvy Aoake 
Junior Waqa
<div style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);">
Conversions by Tianua Poto (6) and Dan Snee (2)
</div>

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stockcar86" data-cid="585299" data-time="1465185296">
<div>
 
Final score from Masterton
The <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.facebook.com/hbsaracensrugby/'>Hawkes Bay Saracens - Development - Rugby</a> team have defeated Wairarapa Bush 68-19.
Scorers for Hawkes Bay Dan McIntyre (2) 
Trent Boswell-Wakefield 
Matt Garland (2) 
Joseph Penitito 
Lucas Goodwin 
Jarvy Aoake 
Junior Waqa
<div style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);">
Conversions by Tianua Poto (6) and Dan Snee (2)
</div>
 
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Yes, I saw that on the HBRU facebook page after my posts. A bit strange they say Dan McIntyre scored two tries, because he wasn't on the team sheet. So either Prichard didn't play & score, and was replaced by McIntyre on the team sheet, or the HBRU got it wrong. Apparently, they also don't know who scored the last try because the points don't add up. Apart from that, it's pretty much the same as what I posted.

Stargazer

So apparently Dan McIntyre was called into the squad on Saturday night because Prichard withdrew with an injury from club rugby that day. They only forgot to tell WaiBush (they still had Prichard in their programme) and the commentators. 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11652006'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11652006</a>
 
Anyway, looking at the photos posted on Facebook, the Saracens were wearing new Paladin jerseys. Not sure whether this predicts a particular style for the Magpies jerseys (no hoops). 
 
2015 Jersey:
 
<img src="https://scontent-syd1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16985_718743954936753_8384918404424247640_n.jpg?oh=9dd1118b8a73a1d59504e7c1f48c04e9&oe=57D1CD51" alt="16985_718743954936753_838491840442424764">
 
2016 Jersey:
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/t31.0-8/13316992_852118404932640_645336093717887152_o.jpg" alt="13316992_852118404932640_645336093717887">

Stargazer

Highlights video of the Saracens' game v WaiBush:
 
[media]

Stockcar86

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="585889" data-time="1465451689">
<div>
Highlights video of the Saracens' game v WaiBush:
 
[media]

</div>
</blockquote>
Damn Waqa is fast when he winds up

Stargazer

Fuck, damn, shit and all the rest *&$#?~^<!! Richard Buckman has signed with Panasonic Wild Knights. Unsure for how long, but it seems pretty certain that he won't play for the Magpies this year and who knows how many more years. Anyone who reads Japanese and can translate this?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/'>http://panasonic.co.jp/sports/rugby/info/detail/2016/160609105231109/</a>
 
How many players have we already lost? How many of those have been replaced not just by good players, but also experienced players?
 
And then there's Retallick who will probably never play for us, Dagg possibly with the ABs, if AB halfbacks get injured, Weber, too. Edmonds out for the season.
 
I hope we won't go straight back to the Championship, just like 2012. After the 2011 promotion, exactly the same happened.

Peter Mettrick

Damn Buckman is a huge loss.I think they will have to buy a few in.I dont think we can cover all the losses with just locals,especially at the top level.

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="matrix" data-cid="587434" data-time="1465800284">
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Damn Buckman is a huge loss.I think they will have to buy a few in.I dont think we can cover all the losses with just locals,especially at the top level.
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</blockquote>
 
I agree with that! We desperately need experienced players, especially midfielders, with Horrell, Fruean and Buckman not returning (if the rumours about the first two are confirmed). They can't expect Ropiha and Lowe to replace them without an additional, more experienced top player.
 
Must admit that I'm worried about the upcoming season.

Cpt Kumera

hearing a blues midfielder has been asked to go to hb

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Cpt Kumera" data-cid="587492" data-time="1465809596">
<div>
hearing a blues midfielder has been asked to go to hb
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</blockquote>
 
I'd be happy if it was Rieko Ioane or George Moala :biggrin: but it won't be any of them; it won't be Ranger either; Male Sa'u ? TJ Faiane doesn't have enough experience; and they can keep Matt McGahan and Michael Little.

Nepia

SBW is coming!!!
 
:)

Higgins

I'll see if I can dig out the squad lists for last seasons Canterbury B and Canterbury Colts teams and post them here so we can start sifting through them to see if we can come up with who Mr. Phillpot will inflict upon us this coming season. Fingers crossed that Marvan Karawana might have been signed up for Wellington thus eliminating him from consideration once and for all!

Stargazer

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="587551" data-time="1465820318">
<div>
I'll see if I can dig out the squad lists for last seasons Canterbury B and Canterbury Colts teams and post them here so we can start sifting through them to see if we can come up with who Mr. Phillpot will inflict upon us this coming season. Fingers crossed that Marvan Karawana might have been signed up for Wellington thus eliminating him from consideration once and for all!
</div>
</blockquote>
 
Hmm, thinking of Canterbury. What about Rob Thompson? He's with the Landers now, so might want to leave Canterbury as well. Not sure why he hasn't been playing lately; is he injured?

? Offline

It's makes sense why Craig Philpott would look to Canterbury to fill any holes - he would have contacts there from past association that he would have more trust in opinion on rather than somewhere else in the country where he wouldn't have any contacts.
 
If the midfield is to be selected from within HB then first choice centre would be either Lewis Marshall or Jonah Lowe. I have watched Pirates play a couple of times and think their centre Matthew Garland could be a worthwhile addition to the squad. He played for Saracens against Wairarapa Bush. No other centre in club play suggests to me possible Magpie selection.
 
The only real option at second-five is Billy Ropiha. I haven't seen a second-five in club play that suggests possible Magpie selection.

Higgins

I too am yet to be convinced about Billy Rophia. Admittedly all I have seen of him is on TV during the NPC and even with my one eyedness have not seen him do much on attack. He tends to do a little hop up in the air, highland fling his legs and land again without actually stepping anyone. Number10 and Stargazer will have seen way more of him in club play so must be able to to give an assessment we can give credence to. I do know that sometimes decent players can take a little time to get used to the step up in level whilst others hit it off at the higher level straight away, Maybe he might be one of the earlier ones?
 
He has earned himself a big tick from me though after seeing him pull of a couple of spot tackles then instantly regaining his feet and securing possession.
 
Think he was also included in some sort of wider training thing with Sir Gordon Teitjens so he must have something going for him.

Higgins

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Number 10" data-cid="587594" data-time="1465850912">
<div> I haven't seen a second-five in club play that suggests possible Magpie selection.
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</blockquote>
 
If i can find my running shoes I'll start training tonight then! Ahh that try against Dannevirke Derelicts, admittedly playing out of position, a few years back is still holding pride of place in my CV.

The Silver Fern

For 2016