Rugby: No panic in Magpies camp after Saracens steamrolled

Read the score - Steamers 35, Saracens 0 - yes it is correct.

After this match at Rotorua's International Stadium yesterday one expected Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's head coach Craig Philpott to have a lengthy list of work-ons for his troops who are playing all three of their pre-season games as the Hawke's Bay Saracens. But he didn't.

When quizzed about his list Philpott said one-on-one tackles - defensive responsibilities was his only entry.

"We get that right and we are a long way towards where we should be."

What yesterday's score against the Bay of Plenty Steamers doesn't reflect is the domination the Saracens enjoyed during the first 30 minutes when the visitors had 90 per cent of possession and territory.

"We had opportunities and couldn't finish. Three times we were held up right on the line and then we conceded a converted try from a lineout drive right on halftime," Philpott said.

Despite dominating 60 per cent of possession and territory in the second half the Saracens conceded four more converted tries.

"Our missed one-on-ones were really disappointing. Their big strong midfielders used the ball well," Philpott said referring to the Steamers midfield pair of Doug Edwards and Siaosi Longi.

The Saracens lineout and scrum continued to operate well during the second half. As one Magpies supporter texted ... the Saracens had a Rolls Royce-type forward pack and a Lada-type backline.

Philpott had to agree and pointed out Canada's tighthead prop Jason Marshall was strong. Former Magpies captain and second five-eighth Jason Shoemark was the best of the Saracens backs.

However with Super players Andrew Horrell, Richard Buckman and Robbie Fruean to be added to the mix for the final pre-season outing against Waikato at Napier's McLean Park on August 9 vast improvement will be expected from the Saracens backline on that occasion.

One of the biggest positives for Philpott yesterday was the fact there were no further additions to his injury list. All Blacks Ben Franks and Israel Dagg will join injured back Billy Ropiha as the only Magpies unavailable for that game.

Former Magpie, Tino Nemani, playing at fullback, and No8 Joe Tupe were the standouts for the Steamers in their first pre-season outing played without any Super players. Steamers coach and former All Black Kevin Schuler had every right to be impressed with his side.

"It's been a big week, we had the camp up at Whakatane and did a lot of work. So we knew our boys were going to be tired during the game but to see them play the full 80 and not let the Saracens in and the physicality we brought, they are good things to tick off," Schuler said.

Scorers: Bay of Plenty Steamers 35 (Joe Royal, Joe Tupe, Siaosi Longi, Leroy van Dam, Tino Nemani tries; Dan Hollinshead 3, Paul Morris 2 cons), Hawke's Bay Saracens 0. HT: 7-0.