Magpies swoop on Log o’ Wood
ALMOST A year to the day since they were beaten by Counties Manukau, and bid farewell to the Ranfurly Shield, Hawke’s Bay have exacted revenge, beating the Steelers 27-21 to reclaim the Log o’ Wood.
The game, played at Pukekohe yesterday, was a typical Ranfurly Shield clash between two passionate sides – with plenty of tries, errors, controversies and excitement.
The Magpies jumped out to a big lead at the break thanks, to two tries – both coming off 10- man lineout drives – to flanker Brendon O’Connor and then halfback Chris Eaton.
All Counties could muster in the first 40 minutes were three penalty kicks, and at the halftime break it looked like being a pretty meek shield defence.
But no doubt a stirring halftime talk from Counties coach Tana Umaga made an impact, as the Steelers played with more structure in the second half and finally got something going from their set pieces.
Openside flanker Onosa’i Auva’a scored the Steelers’ first try, yet again from a lineout drive, and halfback Augustine Pulu darted round the blindside, was tackled but was still able to stretch out to score and give the Steelers the lead again.
But just when Counties looked like running riot, Hawke’s Bay went back in front when winger Ryan Tongia scored off an overlap in the 67th minute.
Counties did have one last roll of the dice with the clock on 80 minutes, and had around 40 phases inside the Magpies’ 22, but couldn’t cross the line. The
The shield has been around forever and to be able to say I’ve won it is pretty special. I was happy to get out there and have the opportunity to play some footy because I’ve been on the sidelines for the last couple of weeks. Israel Dagg
Magpies gave away three penalties, but were able to keep 15 players on the field and eventually a turnover ended the game.
For fullback Israel Dagg, who has achieved so much in his career, this was a special moment. ‘‘This is right up there,’’ he said. ‘‘ The shield has been around forever and to be able to say I’ve won it is pretty special.
‘‘I was happy to get out there and have the opportunity to play some footy because I’ve been on the sidelines for the last couple of weeks.
‘‘ I was finding my feet again and getting used to it. I was pretty tired out there.’’
Dagg revealed that the plan to pack the lineouts was something the team picked up from the All Blacks and decided to give it a go yesterday.
‘‘We saw the All Blacks score a few tries off that lineout move, so we thought we’d copy it and it worked, so we’re pretty happy about that.
‘‘In the second half we fell asleep for a bit, but I’m just glad that we got the win. It’s great to be back with these guys, it means a lot to these boys, they’re humble, they worked hard and that’s what rugby is all about.’’
Magpies coach Craig Philpott, hoped that the shield would once again evoke memories of special times in the province.
‘‘To every province it goes to it brings something special and particularly to Hawke’s Bay,’’ he said.
‘‘It holds a special place in the hearts of Hawke’s Bay people because we’ve had some magnificent tenures over the years. Obviously in the 1960s for three years the Shield lived in the Hawke’s Bay and there are a lot of people who still remember that.’’