Hawke’s Bay Magpies Triumph Over Taranaki to Reach Semifinals

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies secured their place in the semifinals of the National Provincial Championship with a convincing 26-12 victory over Taranaki at McLean Park in Napier on September 30, 2023. This marked a significant moment for the team, who are now one step closer to achieving their first-ever top-flight NPC title.

Two years ago, Hawke’s Bay narrowly missed out on the championship, losing to the Bulls. The Magpies faced a challenging history against Taranaki, having lost four consecutive matches against their local rivals. In the early stages of this quarterfinal clash, it seemed that this trend might continue. Taranaki dominated possession and territory, with 91% territory and 67% possession in the first quarter-hour. This pressure forced the Magpies into making three times as many tackles.

Despite Taranaki’s early control, they only managed to convert their dominance into a single penalty goal, leaving them trailing. The match truly ignited towards the end of the first half when Hawke’s Bay rallied to take a 14-6 lead into the break. The Magpies showcased their resilience, keeping Taranaki from scoring a try throughout the match, even while facing a penalty count of 12-5 against them.

The first try came from Magpies’ second-five, Le Roux Malan, who crossed the line in the 28th minute. His performance was pivotal, as he also assisted in the next try scored by Miracle Faiilagi. Taranaki had moments where they thought they had responded with tries of their own, but both were disallowed after reviews by the television match official (TMO).

In a particularly tense moment, the Magpies’ Folau Fakatava was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, but the team managed to maintain their composure. Taranaki’s co-captain, Kaylum Boshier, also received a yellow card for a ruck infringement, further complicating Taranaki’s efforts.

As the second half unfolded, the Magpies continued to build on their lead. After a missed penalty kick by Lincoln McClutchie just after halftime, Taranaki’s Josh Jacomb narrowed the margin with another penalty, bringing the score to 14-9. However, Hawke’s Bay responded effectively, with McClutchie scoring a try following a well-executed play that involved a brilliant pass from Malan.

The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Sam Smith powered over for another try, extending the lead to 26-9. Despite being reduced to 14 men for the final moments of the match, the Magpies held their ground against Taranaki’s attempts to score.

As the final whistle blew, the Magpies celebrated a hard-fought victory, sending Taranaki out of the competition for the second consecutive year. This triumph not only boosts Hawke’s Bay’s hopes for a championship title but also reinforces their growing legacy in New Zealand rugby. The Magpies will now look ahead to the semifinals with renewed confidence and determination.