Rugby: Hawke's Bay no longer a surprise package

Hawke's Bay coach Peter Russell. Photo / Getty Images

The underdog factor is long gone but Hawke's Bay rugby coach Peter Russell doesn't care.

Russell's men head into defending champion Canterbury's Christchurch den with a genuine chance of winning their Air NZ Cup semifinal tomorrow night.

It's not something even the most ardent Magpies supporter could have imagined a handful of seasons ago, but they have steadily become among the most consistent teams in the provincial game.

Much of it can be laid at the feet of Russell, a man the Hawke's Bay players have grown to respect hugely, a big reason why the constant exodus of talent from the region has slowed to a trickle.

Having reached their third successive semifinal, Russell wants his team to go at least a step further than the last two attempts - 2007's 38-3 loss to Auckland and last year's 31-21 result against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Russell is aware of a widespread feeling that his team have the ammunition to topple a red and blacks outfit shorn of eight All Blacks. And he relishes it.

"I suppose over the last couple of years we've gained a lot of respect around the country for what we're doing and I think the players here realise we can no longer just be called a team on the rise," he said.

"This is your third year in the top four so I think teams don't underestimate us any more.

"They all make sure they have their game at the top of their level when they play us."

More Super 14 experience for his players has Russell confident that concentration lapses in big games is seeping out of Hawke's Bay's makeup.

Last year's semi was an example. The teams were level 14-14 at halftime before two tries in two minutes soon after halftime effectively turned an even tussle Canterbury's way.

Momentum has been gathered this season - they had registered just one win through the first four rounds - while a number of last-minute wins is a sign of cool heads prevailing.

However, the late rub of the green was against them when a Canterbury at full strength escaped 27-20 winners at a sold-out McLean Park two weeks ago.

Regarded by many as the game of the season, Hawke's Bay were denied a chance to draw when prop Sona Taumalolo was ruled to have crossed the touchline on the way to what appeared a legitimate try.

"We've taken a lot out of that game but I suppose Canterbury have as well. They'll see what threats we are to them," Russell said.

"We've just got to throw our game at them. Over the last two years we've been holding back and waiting for other teams to throw their game at us in the semifinal.

"We realise the belief is there now, let's get out and play our own game."

Russell was aware of a swag of supporters heading south and hoped the many Hawke's Bay "expats" based in the South Island could help transform AMI Stadium in the same way Southland's fans did when stealing the Ranfurly Shield last week.

With the Shield gone, Canterbury have plenty to prove, having never won the national provincial title twice in succession.

Their side appears more skilled and big-match savvy in the backline but will need to contain what should be a red-blooded Hawke's Bay onslaught up front.

They were buoyed by news yesterday that captain George Whitelock has overcome a hip injury and should play on the openside flank.

- NZPA