After Magpies winger Zac Guildford was sinbinned for a professional foul in the 55th minute the Steamers scored 13 unanswered points.
"Boys who should know better," replied Magpies head coach Craig Philpott when quizzed on the poor discipline.
To the Magpies' credit they fought back hard late in the second half. First five-eighth Ihaia West, the hero of last year's 42-41 win against the Steamers, scored a cracker of a try after a superb break from substitute halfback Chris Eaton. Centre Richard Buckman was also unlucky to be held up over the line in what could have been a match-winning last-second try.
But the damage was done with the conceding of those 13 unanswered points.
Playing into a strong wind and in light rain the Magpies produced a far better start than in the previous week's win against the Manawatu Turbos. Hooker Ged Robinson was unlucky to put a foot into touch when diving over for a try in the third minute.
Philpott agreed former Junior All Black hooker Robinson had a top game and Hurricanes rake Ash Dixon provided quality impact off the bench.
"Deciding who to start out of those two is a happy selection dilemma to have," Philpott said.
In the fifth minute winger Telusa Veainu scored the visitors' first try after a clever miss pass from West found fullback Gillies Kaka who unloaded to Veainu. West succeeded with the conversion attempt from wide out. A 47m penalty from West in the 14th minute had the Magpies ahead 10-0.
A 19th-minute penalty from Steamers captain and first five-eighth Willie Ripia ended the first-half scoring.
Philpott agreed the visitors could have been 24-3 up at halftime.
In addition to Robinson missing out on a try, openside flanker Brendon O'Connor was unlucky to lose the ball over the line in the 33rd minute.
"We left a couple of tries out TRY TIME: Magpies winger Telusa Veainu beats Steamers fullback Steve Honey on his way to a try during yesterday's 24-20 loss in Tauranga. PHOTO/BOP TIMES
Franks available for challenge
there. At halftime we spoke about the importance of field position and territory ... it was disappointing we let the pressure off," Philpott said.
A strong surge from the Steamers forwards saw No8 Joe Tupe score the hosts' first try in the 47th minute. A West penalty from 32m out in the 54th minute put the Magpies ahead 13-8.
Maori All Black Ripia was the architect of his side's comeback and eventual win. He kicked a penalty when Guildford was sinbinned and eight minutes later sliced through the Magpies defence for a try which he converted to put the Steamers ahead 18-13.
Consecutive penalties from Ripia in the 65th and 69th minutes had his Premiership outfit leading 24-13 before Eaton and West combined to spark the Magpies late comeback.
While Coman pipped Robinson for the Magpies man-of-the-match honours, second five-eighth Adam Bradey and Buckman deserve praise for their impressive defensive work.
Close behind Ripia in the battle for Steamers man-of-the-match honours were locks Culum Retallick and Keepa Mewett, Tupe and openside flanker Beau Robinson. Ripia agreed the sinbinning of Guildford was crucial.
"We're relieved to get our first win," Ripia said.
Philpott repeated Coman's message about not blaming the shield challenge for the loss.
"The O (Otago) word wasn't spoken during the last 48 hours," Philpott stated.
He said openside flanker Karl Lowe, with his rib issue, remained the Magpies' only injury concern in the buildup to the challenge. The All Blacks have released prop Ben Franks to the Magpies and he will arrive in the Bay in time for Thursday's training.
Fellow prop Adrian Barone has recovered from his eye injury and will be available for selection. As expected All Black and Magpies fullback Israel Dagg is unavailable for the challenge as he must rest during the bye week in the Four Nations.
