Lincoln McClutchie Returns to Lead Hawke’s Bay Magpies Against Bay of Plenty

Lincoln McClutchie will return to the Hawke’s Bay Magpies starting lineup for the highly anticipated Battle of the Bays against the Bay of Plenty Steamers on March 16, 2024, in Tauranga. McClutchie steps in for Harry Godfrey, who suffered an injury during the Magpies’ impressive 45-19 victory over Wellington last weekend.

Head coach Brock James confirmed that Godfrey, who has been a key player throughout the season and is expected to be the primary choice for the Hurricanes in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, is currently nursing a minor injury. James noted that Godfrey “copped a little bit of a niggle” and will be given the opportunity to recover before the remaining games.

McClutchie’s Impact on the Team

The return of McClutchie, aged 26, brings significant experience to the Magpies. He has accumulated 508 points in 76 matches since making his debut in 2018. In the opening match against Counties-Manukau, McClutchie demonstrated his skills by scoring a try and converting another, showcasing his abilities as a key playmaker for the team.

Although McClutchie has been on the bench for the first three games of the season, he last featured in the match-day 23 against North Harbour. Following Godfrey’s exit from the game last Saturday, Zarn Sullivan transitioned from fullback to first five-eighths, underscoring the team’s adaptability in the face of injury challenges.

The upcoming match against the Bay of Plenty Steamers is crucial for the Magpies as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. With the return of McClutchie, the team is hopeful that his experience and scoring ability will contribute to another successful outing.

As the Magpies prepare for this significant encounter, fans are eager to see how McClutchie will impact the game and help steer the team towards victory in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.