Hawke’s Bay have successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield after casting aside the Manawatu Turbos 47-12 at McLean Park in Napier this afternoon.
The Magpies’ win was marred by an unsavoury moment in the second half where Manawatu halfback Jamie Booth was seen flipping the bird to a section of the crowd as he was stretchered to an ambulance after suffering a serious leg injury.
Booth’s right knee buckled as he tried to prevent Hawke’s Bay winger Neria Fomai from scoring late in the match with one person in the crowd seen pointing at the halfback just before he gestured to fans.
The incident came at the end of a sparkling performance from the Magpies, who did give up an early lead when Manawatu second five-eighth James Tofa opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a brilliant finish in the left corner
Hawke’s Bay would hit back with Danny Toala catching a sensational chip from the impressive Lincoln McClutchie to score in the 24th minute
The Magpies would put extend the lead with a three-minute blitz in the shadows of halftime. A great offload from McClutchie set up a try to fullback Caleb Makene after 38 mins.
Flanker Brendan O’Connor then took advantage of some sleepy Manawatu defenders, regaining his feet after a tackle to run away for one of the easiest tries you’ll see.
O’Connor’s effort would see the Magpies take a 28-12 lead into the break, which was a short respite from the pain for the winless Turbos.
Hawke’s Bay would add three more tries in the second half on its way to a 47-12 Shield win.
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