Rugby: It's do-or-die season for rookie

Jarvy Aoake (left) and Joseph Penitito. PHOTO/FILE

There's no doubt about it ... a happy team is a successful one.

If the banter flying around the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players after their season launch function yesterday morning was any indication, expect another successful season from the Ranfurly Shield holders. However, there was a serious side to some of the flak from a few experienced campaigners towards the rookies in the camp.

"They know tomorrow will be a case of sink or swim. If they don't perform we'll be called off the bench," Maori All Black and Highlanders Super Rugby champion prop Brendon Edmonds said on the eve of the team's final ITM Cup rehearsal against Premiership champions Taranaki at Napier's McLean Park today.

One rookie who has made massive leaps while Edmonds has been on international and Super Rugby duty is Napier Old Boys Marist captain and tighthead prop Jarvy Aoake, making his fourth first-class appearance today.

"Being part of the wider training group for the whole time has helped. Last year I only got called in a week or two before the trial game," Aoake, 27, said.

"The Magpies coaches were looking for props and I happened to be in the right place at the right time," said Aoake, the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's rugby development officer.

"Hopefully tomorrow's game will be the start for me. I want to take the next step and cement a regular starting berth ... I know Taranaki will be a good test too."

To be fair, it couldn't be a much sterner test for Aoake and the rest of the Magpies rookie frontrow - loosehead prop Jason Long and world champion Baby Blacks hooker Ricky Riccitelli.

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper will field a full-strength side and Aoake will be marking Barbarians loosehead Mitchell Graham, who had an entertaining tussle with Edmonds in last month's match against the Maori All Blacks at Eden Park.

Aoake is rapt to have former All Black tighthead Campbell Johnstone, the Magpies' scrum doctor, to give him tips.

"Campbell is old school and being a former tighthead who has played at a higher level, I know he can help me make the next step. All those little tips like feet position and the way to work my shoulders ... they all help."

Should Aoake come off the field today and get the thumbs-up from the likes of Johnstone and Edmonds, that will be another massive step in his short first-class career.

Unlike Cooper, Craig Philpott, has named a mix of first-stringers and back-up players. One can appreciate his logic. They need to get a taste of the intensity Taranaki will bring compared with the Heartland Championship teams the Magpies faced during their three Ranfurly Shield defences last month. In other words, they have to be prepared when the collar is slipped off them come ITM Cup time.

The Taranaki engine room has been boosted by the availability of All Black lock James Broadhurst. He has been told by the All Blacks' coaching staff he needs a big performance to remain in contention for a World Cup berth.

Other key players in the Naki pack are former Hawke's Bay U-20 captain and Chiefs hooker Rhys Marshall and Hurricanes No8 Blade Thomson. There is talent in the backs with the likes of captain James Marshall, winger Codey Rei, and Maori All Black captain and second-five Charlie Ngatai.

MATCH DETAILS

WHO: Hawke's Bay Magpies v Taranaki.

WHERE: McLean Park, Napier.

WHEN: Today, 1pm kick off.

REFEREE: Chris Pollock.

AR1/AR2: Marty Hantz and Carl Jowsey.

MAGPIES: Lewis Marshall, Ryan Tongia, Jonah Lowe, Andrew Horrell (c), Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Ellery Wilson, Gareth Evans, Tom Stanley, Tony Lamborn, Michael Allardice, Sanaila Waqa, Jarvy Aoake, Ricky Riccitelli, Jason Long.

Substitutes, forwards: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Mark Braidwood, Mark Abbott, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Joseph Penitito.

Backs: Chris Eaton, Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Billy Ropiha, Shannan Chase, Zac Guildford.

TARANAKI: James Marshall (captain), Codey Rei, Sean Wainui, Charlie Ngatai, Latu Vaeno, Marty McKenzie, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Berny Hall, Mitchell Crosswell, James Broadhurst, Mitchell Brown, Angus Taavao, Rhys Marshall, Mitchell Graham.

Substitutes, forwards: Caleb Mawson, Reuben O'Neill, Sione Lea, Leighton Price, Riki Hoeata.

Backs: David Ormrod, Kylem O'Donnell, Jackson Ormond, Avon Lewis, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Toa Halafihi.