ITM Cup Rugby: Magpies to miss three heavyweights

The Magpies won't play neighbours, the Manawatu Turbos, during next year's ITM Cup. Photo / File

For a former lock Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby coach Craig Philpott can be proud of the sidestepping skills he displayed yesterday.

That's the manner in which the former Canterbury player sidestepped Tasman, Taranaki and Manawatu when the ITM Cup crossover selections for the 2015 season were made via webinar and teleconference.

"Even without their All Blacks, Tasman, Taranaki and Manawatu will still be pretty strong next year," Philpott said referring to the fact provincial unions will see little of their All Blacks during World Cup Year.

Home crossover games and Ranfurly Shield defences next year, should the Magpies still hold the log 'o wood after defences against Heartland Championship teams Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua-Kapiti and Mid-Canterbury, will be against Waikato (the Magpies' automatic crossover match on this year's placings) and Auckland. "Without their All Blacks Waikato and Auckland will still generate good crowds," Philpott said.

Away crossover games will see the Magpies take on Counties-Manukau and Canterbury.

When the Magpies take on the Catabs it will be the first match in Christchurch since a 23-all draw in 2010.

Philpott also learnt yesterday he will be able to name 23 players for each fixture next season instead of 22 as has been the case in recent seasons. This will allow coaches to select an extra frontrow reserve.

Frontrow is the main focus for Philpott as he hunts for players. With Crusader Ged Robinson expected to stay in Canterbury for ITM Cup play, Philpott needs a deputy for Maori All Black and Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon.

Another prop is also on Philpott's shopping list as Jason Marshall is tipped to make Canada's World Cup squad for the second time.

"In addition to looking outside the province we will also be checking out the club rugby scene as well as players in our wider training group."

When quizzed on the possibility of former All Black and Magpies hooker Hika Elliot returning, Philpott said it could happen. "If Hika's body is right and he can scrummage at the next level after Heartland there's a chance."

Last week Elliot was selected in the Chiefs squad after revealing he was happy with the progress made with his recovery from a neck injury when playing for Poverty Bay this year. He was axed from the Magpies in April last year and played for Counties-Manukau.

While crossover matches were confirmed yesterday the final ITM Cup draw won't be confirmed until February. All of yesterday's selections were based on the Magpies being the holder of the Ranfurly Shield at the time of the fixture.

New Zealand Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said several unions this year took the opportunity to canvas their fans to see who they thought their teams should choose. Some were aligned with their coaches' choices while others were at the other end.

A St John's College product, Sorensen, said the 2014 season had been entertaining, thrilling at times, and often had people on the edge of their seats as results were determined only in the dying minutes of a game.

"One of the best features of this year's ITM Cup competition, has been the notion that any team, could win anywhere, anytime, and often against any odds.

"We saw some highly entertaining and great footy this year, and as many of the results panned out, the assumed underdogs would often turn the tables on their opponents to steal, or almost steal, a win."