The Magpies are into their third ITM Cup Championship final in four seasons, though nothing came easy for them in this gnarly first semifinal.
Hawke's Bay gradually asserted themselves over the visiting Northland Taniwha to the tune of 26-21 at Napier's McLean Park. The unerring boot of Ihaia West and a superior set-piece were key facets of the Magpies' victory, though the final try tally stood at 3-2 Northland. Northland No 8 Dan Pryor's try off a Latiume Fosita run had pulled the deficit back to seven and then prop Namatahi Waa's show of strength cut it to five.
The Ranfurly Shield was not up for grabs, which may explain a dusty opening with myriad handling errors, but Hawke's Bay found their game when it really counted.
Locks Mark Abbott and Michael Allardice both got through a power of work in the lineouts and on the tackle, while centre Robbie Fruean sparked up, running with serious intent, usually straight into the teeth of the defence. His try, off a simple one-three cut move with West, near the posts, was vintage Fruean.
The first spell was frantic and loose, quite unlike what one would expect of a semifinal. There were loose passes, spurned goalkicks and injudicious chips over the top.
Northland made an encouraging start, racking up the phases with their continuity and muscular ball-carrying. No 10 Dan Hawkins opened the scoring with a penalty goal.
Jone Macilai's fourth try of the campaign showed his finishing ability and skill, transferring the ball to his right mitt to dot in the corner despite a solid tackle by Fruean. The TMO ruled in the Northland wing's favour.
Hawke's Bay fullback Richard Buckman was far from fully fit but simply strapped up his ankle and scored a try which would have done a player at 100 per cent proud, breaking several tackles in a show of determination. Sadly, he limped off just before the break.
The stats were all against Hawke's Bay at halftime, their hands letting them down, but they entered the sheds at 13-8 to the good.
The last time that Northland played at this stage of the season was when Wayne Pivac was coach, Norm Berryman was in his pomp, rugby had not long turned pro, and the Taniwha ran rampant through the old NPC second division, winning their playoffs in a canter.
Last night men like Kara Pryor and Tom Murday gave full and rugged shifts, as they have down all season in this breakout year for Northland rugby. But to no avail.
The Magpies await the result of this afternoon's second semifinal between Manawatu and Southland. A Turbos win would see them travel south to Palmerston North for a Friday night decider. A Stags win would see Napier host the final.
Hawke's Bay 26 (Richard Buckman, Robbie Fruean tries; Ihaia West 2 con, 4 pen) Northland 21 (Jone Macilai, Dan Pryor, Namatahi Waa tries; Dan Hawkins 2 pen) HT: 13-8
