Magpies Fall to Taranaki 38-24, Face Tough Path to NPC Playoffs

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies suffered a significant setback in their quest for the National Provincial Championship (NPC) playoffs, losing to Taranaki 38-24 in New Plymouth on March 15, 2024. This defeat dropped the Magpies to fourth place on the competition ladder, just two matches away from the quarterfinals, and placed them at risk of falling to sixth position by the end of the weekend.

The match began with promise for the Magpies, as left wing Neria Fomai scored the first try in the 17th minute. Unfortunately, Lincoln McClutchie’s conversion attempt struck the posts, leaving the score at 5-0. For a majority of the first half, the Magpies managed to hold off Taranaki’s advances. However, a turning point occurred just before halftime when captain Tom Parsons received a yellow card. This pivotal moment allowed Taranaki to capitalize, with hooker Bradley Slater scoring from a forwards drive following a penalty, putting the score at 7-5 as the teams headed into the break.

In the second half, Taranaki built on their momentum, quickly extending their lead. The Magpies, already hindered by injuries, struggled to maintain defensive pressure and failed to recover from the earlier setback. Despite their efforts, the team found themselves on the back foot, ultimately succumbing to Taranaki’s relentless attack.

With two matches remaining in the regular season, the Magpies face a challenging road ahead. Their playoff position hangs in the balance, and they must secure wins in upcoming games to ensure a favorable seed in the quarterfinals. As the competition reaches its climax, the Magpies will need to regroup and harness their resilience to overcome the obstacles ahead.

The outcome of this match not only affects the current standings but also puts additional pressure on the team to perform in their final fixtures. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the Magpies strive to turn their fortunes around in this tightly contested championship.