Magpies head coach Craig Philpott was quick to praise the contributions from Burns and another late replacement in the Saracens XV, Napier Old Boys Marist flanker Sean Skeet. Philpott was impressed with the structures displayed by both teams, considering they had only had two trainings together, and with the swapping of players between them, both teams knew each other's moves.
"Sometimes when you have trials they can turn into a shambles but this one was pretty good and quite pleasing."
As expected, it was a physical encounter and some of the defensive work from both teams was brutal. Saracens XV winger and 2013 New Zealand under-20s World Cup player Penikolo Latu collected what appeared to be a serious knee injury, and his captain and prop Jason Long dislocated a finger.
More accurate details on how long this pair will be sidelined will be known today. Philpott had every right to be impressed with the manner in which Hawke's Bay XV props Mark Braidwood of the Napier Technical club and Taradale's Ezrah Amituanai gave their scrum the edge.
Amituanai's clubmate and Hawke's Bay XV midfield back Billy Ropiha was another to continue his outstanding club form and stake a serious claim for ITM Cup squad selection. Replacement halfback for the winning side, Havelock North's Isaac Paewai, signalled he was ready to be Chris Eaton's deputy again with some slick service and two tries from accurate support play.
Paewai was unavailable for rep play last year after being Eaton's deputy in 2012. However, it will be a surprise if he isn't required for the Magpies' pre-season camp later this month.
Philpott will announce his camp squad at the weekend.
Paewai scored the first of his tries in the 65th minute and when his first five-eighth Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald of the Napier Old Boys Marist club converted it his team took a 24-12 lead. The Saracens XV went into catch-up mode during the final quarter, lost some structure and conceded some soft turnovers.
The likes of exciting Havelock North outside backs Ryan Tongia and Mikey Vuicakau and Napier Old Boys Marist's winger-fullback Liam Edwards proved there will be plenty of speed available to Philpott and his assistant Danny Lee.
Returning Magpies utility back Matt Berquist was a late withdrawal from the trial with an injury. In-form Taradale No8 and a certainty for a starting berth in the Magpies loose trio come ITM Cup time, Mark Atkins, was also a late withdrawal, as his partner was about to have a baby.
Scorers: Hawke's Bay XV 29 (Isaac Paewai 2, Liam Edwards, Trinity Spooner-Neera, Mikey Vuicakau tries; Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald 2 cons), Saracens XV 12 (Sean Skeet, Noa Uaisele tries; Manihera Eden con).
Halftime: 12-7.