Hawke’s Bay Magpies Defeat Taranaki 26-12 to Reach Semifinals

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies secured a spot in the semifinals of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) by defeating Taranaki 26-12 at McLean Park in Napier on October 14, 2023. This victory marked a significant turnaround for the Magpies, avenging previous losses against their local rivals, including a disappointing record defeat last season.

In the first half, Taranaki dominated early play, maintaining a staggering 91% territory and 67% possession during the opening 15 minutes. They forced the Magpies into a defensive stance, resulting in three times the number of tackles for the home side. Despite their control, Taranaki could only manage a single penalty goal from Josh Jacomb.

The turning point came in the 28th minute when Hawke’s Bay’s Le Roux Malan scored the first try of the match, finishing a well-executed play in the left corner. This was followed by a second try from Miracle Faiilagi in the 34th minute, propelling the Magpies to a 14-6 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the Magpies maintain control, although they faced challenges, including two yellow cards: one for Folau Fakatava late in the first half and another for Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second. Taranaki’s Kaylum Boshier also received a yellow card for a ruck infringement.

Hawke’s Bay continued to showcase their resilience, particularly through Lincoln McClutchie, who scored a crucial try in the 53rd minute. Following this, Sam Smith secured the victory with another try in the 66th minute, extending the lead to 26-12. Despite a late surge from Taranaki, which saw Jacomb bring the score closer with another penalty, the Magpies held firm defensively.

Throughout the match, Taranaki struggled to convert their territorial advantage into points. Despite having opportunities to score through several disallowed tries, including a crucial one in the 73rd minute, they could not find the finishing touch. Referee Todd Petrie and the Television Match Official confirmed the rulings, which left Taranaki frustrated.

With this victory, the Magpies continue their quest for their first-ever top-flight NPC title, having come close in previous years. Their next challenge will be to build on this momentum as they head into the semifinals, where the stakes will undoubtedly be higher.

This win not only boosts the team’s confidence but also provides a compelling narrative for fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the competition.