Nickname: Magpies

2020 finish: First in Championship (winning finalists)

Coach: Mark Ozich

Captain: Ash Dixon

GAINS: ere enari (Canterbury), Tiaan Falcon (Japan)

LOSSES: Mason emerson (France), Folau Fakatava (injured), sam Mcnicol (injured), sona Taumalolo (retired), Isaia walker-leawere (injured)

GO-TO PLAYER: Tom Parsons We could say Ash Dixon every time as the Magpies’ go-to man, but how about Tom Parsons?

The big second-rower seems unlucky to miss super rugby selection, but he’s gold for the Magpies and has 50 games under his belt now. He is the go-to lineout option, and Dixon invariably throws it right into his big mitts.

Parsons was just about the best lock in the 2020 NPC, so he forms a key cog in the Magpies’ solid engine room.

BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Danny Toala You could argue that Danny Toala has already broken through at this level.

Twenty-two games and 63 points and abundant versatility can be used as evidence. Maybe it is due to the fact that he has appeared in just four lousy games in three seasons for the Hurricanes that makes you wonder why he has not kicked on. but he often shows up for Hawke’s bay, mostly at second five, yet, with Ollie Sapsford and Neria Fomai also having claims to that position, we may see him at fullback on occasion or even centre. He has the talent and skills. now we need to see more substance.

OUR PREDICTION: Fifth in Premiership we see Hawke’s bay as being good enough to reach the semifinals, but whether it does make the top four will be reliant on how well it does with the Shield and whether it can pick up four or five points in cities like new Plymouth and Palmerston north. so the message is: do not drop any crossover games. Then anything is possible.