Rugby: Fullback only injury woe

Richard Buckman has his knee injury checked out by Magpies physio Mark Nicol (left) and doctor Ian Taylor as referee Shane McDermott looks on. Photo / Duncan Brown

Parade to celebrate fantastic supporters

Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby coach Craig Philpott has never been a believer in miracles unless they involve his fullback Richard Buckman.

"At this stage Richard is out for six weeks with his knee injury but you never know with him ... sometimes Richard performs miracles with his body," Philpott replied yesterday when quizzed on Buckman's availability for Friday night's ITM Cup Championship final against the Manawatu Turbos in Palmerston North.

Buckman, a contender for the Magpies player-of-the-year award, collected the injury when attempting a tackle on Northland winger Jone Macilai in the 38th minute of the Magpies 26-21 semifinal win against Northland at Napier's McLean Park on Friday night.

"I'll have a more accurate assessment on Richard tomorrow but at this stage we are preparing as if he isn't playing," Philpott said.

There are no other injury concerns in the Magpies camp related to the semifinal.

Philpott watched television coverage of the Turbos 23-18 semifinal win against Southland on Saturday. "My opinion hasn't changed on how I think they will play against us. I don't expect them to be much different to how they were when we played them in Palmy earlier this month," Philpott said referring to Manawatu's 29-3 win.

He noted that Turbos prop Ma'afu Fia, the Turbos player of the match in the last clash with the Magpies, had a concussion test during the Stags match and could be a doubtful starter on Friday night.

Reducing the missed tackle count will again be a major priority for the Magpies this week. The 25 conceded against the Taniwha is far too many for a team aiming to improve on last year's second placing in the Championship.

A reduction in the turnovers conceded count is another must for the Magpies. Nineteen were conceded against Northland and if this was repeated against the Turbos it could prove costly.

Meanwhile, the Magpies will celebrate the retaining of the Ranfurly Shield until 2015 with a street parade in Napier today. It will begin at Hawke's Bay Toyota at 4pm and will take in Tennyson, Hastings, Emerson, Dalton and Dickens streets before finishing at McLean Park.

"Now that the shield is safe and secure for the next nine months the team is looking forward to saying thanks to the Hawke's Bay public for their magnificent support over the season.

"And with the championship final to come this Friday the boys will draw plenty of inspiration from getting up close and personal with the Magpies faithful during the parade," Philpott said.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Mike Bishop is urging all of Hawke's Bay to get into Napier en masse to celebrate what could be one of the final times the squad of 2014 are together in Napier.

"The Ranfurly Shield is one of the iconic trophies in New Zealand rugby and the fact that the Magpies have retained it for the summer after four mighty defences, speaks volumes for their commitment and desire to give their all for the fantastic Hawke's Bay rugby fans," Bishop said.

"It is a privilege to be able to give the community the opportunity to experience a shield parade. We encourage young and old alike to get along and be part of it," he said.

For those unable to attend today's parade, the shield and non-travelling members of the Magpies team will be involved in the Hawke's Bay Show parade at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds on Friday.