Rugby: Philpott questions leaders' mindset

Poor decision making under pressure was a key factor in the Hawke's Bay Magpies fourth ITM Cup rugby loss of the season in Nelson yesterday.

"At crucial times our decisions weren't good. Our leaders out on the field didn't quite nail them ... we panicked when we didn't have to," Magpies coach Craig Philpott said of the 18-9 loss to the Tasman Makos in a Championship top-of-the-table clash at Trafalgar Park, Nelson.

He said his troops didn't score enough points during the first half when they had a strong wind at their backs. The Magpies led 6-5 at the interval.

"Once again that comes down to decision making. We had a reasonable amount of territory but not enough possession but in saying that there wasn't much in it ... it was a typical top-of-the-table clash."

The Magpies had 63 per cent of the territory in the first half and 33 per cent of the possession. Once again their missed tackle count was alarming - nine in the first half.

"It's crucial we win against North Harbour back at home next Sunday and against Southland in Invercargill the following week to stay in the hunt for a semifinal berth," Philpott said.

The loss wasn't as painful as feared when Magpies substitute loosie Karl Lowe left the field with a hamstring injury in the 61st minute. Philpott said Lowe may only be out of action for a fortnight, also the likely scenario for halfback Chris Eaton who left the field at halftime with a groin strain.

As has been the case so often this season the Makos defensive work was outstanding and the hosts kept the Magpies tryless. They are the first team this season to manage this feat.

The Kieran Keane-coached Makos manufactured both of their tries well. Captain and flanker Shane Christie scored the first in the 37th minute after a superb lineout drive.

Lock Joe Wheeler and No.8 Liam Squire are likely to be replaying the Makos second continuously for their backs attention at their video analysis session today. In the 65th minute Wheeler sold a dummy and made valuable metres before kicking ahead for Squire who beat Magpies fullback and All Black Sevens representative Trinity Spooner-Neera in the chase for the ball.

Once again Magpies lock Mark Abbott was inspirational. Captain Mike Coman and fellow loosies Mark Atkins and Brendon O'Connor had numerous memorable moments.

Prop Brendon Edmonds again impressed with his mobility and work on both sides of the scrum. Centre Richard Buckman was again powerful on defence and hunted turnovers like another loosie.

Squire, captain and flanker Shane Christie and hooker Quentin MacDonald, who was playing his 50th match for the Makos, were led their fellow forwards by example. MacDonald's brother and Magpies substitute hooker Jesse MacDonald took the field as a 67th minute replacement.

As he has throughout his career the Magpies MacDonald was again forced to take the back seat to his older brother. The conversation between the pair at the after-match function would have been interesting.

Despite his team's win captain Christie was far from happy afterwards. "We're happy with the win, but not with the way we played. We've got some discipline [issues] and a few messy errors to clean up."