Hawke’s Bay Secures Semifinal Spot with Victory Over Taranaki

Hawke’s Bay advanced to the semifinals of the National Provincial Championship with a decisive 26-12 victory over Taranaki at McLean Park in Napier on September 30, 2023. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Magpies, who had previously struggled against their rivals, suffering four consecutive losses in recent encounters.

In a match that highlighted resilience, Hawke’s Bay initially faced pressure from Taranaki, who controlled 91% of territory and 67% of possession in the opening quarter. Despite this dominance, Taranaki could only manage a single penalty from Josh Jacomb, leaving them trailing at halftime with a score of 14-6.

Throughout the first half, the Magpies demonstrated their determination. Le Roux Malan initiated the scoring with a try in the 28th minute, showcasing his agility and finishing skills. He was closely followed by Miracle Faiilagi, who added another try shortly after, solidifying Hawke’s Bay’s lead. Despite two yellow cards issued to the Magpies, one to Folau Fakatava in the 38th minute and another to Isaia Walker-Leawere in the 71st minute, the home team maintained their composure.

Hawke’s Bay continued to build on their momentum in the second half. After a tense moment when Taranaki nearly scored, only to be denied by a forward pass and a crucial tackle from Geoff Cridge, the Magpies took advantage of the situation. Lincoln McClutchie extended their lead with a try in the 53rd minute, followed by a powerful effort from Sam Smith in the 66th minute that sealed the game.

Despite Taranaki’s attempts to rally, including Jacomb’s penalty goals that kept the pressure on, the Magpies’ defense held strong. The visitors struggled to convert their territorial advantage into points, ultimately falling short in their quest for a semifinal berth.

This victory not only advances Hawke’s Bay in the tournament but also serves as a redemption narrative following their previous defeats against Taranaki. The Magpies will now look ahead with renewed hope as they chase their first-ever top-flight NPC title, buoyed by their performance and the support of a passionate home crowd.