Hawke’s Bay Magpies Fall to Taranaki, Risk Playoff Position

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies suffered a significant setback in their quest for the National Provincial Championship (NPC) playoffs, losing 38-24 to Taranaki in New Plymouth on September 30, 2023. This defeat dropped the Magpies to fourth place on the competition ladder as they approach the quarterfinals, with only two matches remaining in the regular season.

The Magpies started the match with promise, taking an early lead when left wing Neria Fomai scored in the 17th minute. Despite this initial advantage, their first five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie missed the conversion, hitting the posts. The team struggled to maintain momentum, facing intense pressure from Taranaki for much of the first half.

As the match progressed, the Magpies’ defense held firm until a turning point in the game. Captain Tom Parsons received a yellow card, leaving the team vulnerable. Taranaki capitalized on this opportunity, with hooker Bradley Slater powering through for a try during a forwards drive from a lineout following a penalty. This sequence allowed Taranaki to take a narrow 7-5 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Taranaki extend their advantage, capitalizing on the Magpies’ injuries and defensive lapses. Despite the Magpies’ efforts, including further attempts to score, the pressure from Taranaki proved too much. The final score of 38-24 pushed Hawke’s Bay closer to a precarious position, with the potential to fall to sixth place by the end of the weekend.

With the playoffs on the horizon, the Magpies now face a challenging path. Their performance in the upcoming matches will be critical in determining their playoff standing and securing a favorable position for home matches. As the competition intensifies, the team must recover quickly to regain their momentum and secure their place in the NPC quarterfinals.