Hawke’s Bay Advances to NPC Semifinals After Defeating Taranaki

Hawke’s Bay secured a spot in the semifinals of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) with a decisive 26-12 victory over Taranaki at McLean Park on September 30, 2023. This win marked a significant turnaround for the Magpies, who had suffered three consecutive losses against Taranaki in previous encounters.

Despite a shaky start, where Taranaki dominated possession and territory in the first 15 minutes, Hawke’s Bay managed to adapt and capitalize on key opportunities. Taranaki controlled 91% of the territory and 67% of possession early on, forcing the Magpies into making three times as many tackles. Yet, as the half progressed, Hawke’s Bay turned the tide.

Le Roux Malan opened the scoring for the Magpies with a try in the left-hand corner at the 28-minute mark, showcasing his skill and agility. Miracle Faiilagi followed suit shortly after, extending the lead to 14-6 by halftime. Taranaki, despite their early dominance, could only respond with penalty goals from Josh Jacomb.

Hawke’s Bay faced challenges throughout the match, including two yellow cards. Folau Fakatava received a card in the 38th minute, followed by Isaia Walker-Leawere in the 71st minute, both for high tackles on Jacomb. Nevertheless, the Magpies’ defense held strong against Taranaki’s attempts to score, maintaining their lead.

In the second half, Lincoln McClutchie added to Hawke’s Bay’s tally, breaking through the Taranaki defense after a well-executed play. Sam Smith sealed the victory with a powerful try in the 66th minute, putting the Magpies ahead by a decisive margin. Taranaki struggled to find the try line, and despite some close calls, including a potential try ruled out by the television match official, they could not close the gap.

Throughout the match, Hawke’s Bay demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess. The Magpies’ ability to withstand late pressure from Taranaki, especially while down to 14 men, highlighted their defensive strength. Taranaki’s failure to convert chances into points ultimately cost them the game, leading to their elimination from the tournament for the second consecutive year.

The victory sets up an exciting opportunity for Hawke’s Bay as they aim for their first-ever NPC title, building on the momentum created by this impressive performance. The Magpies will look to carry this energy into the semifinals, where they will face a formidable opponent with hopes of finally clinching the coveted trophy.