Coaches wait on injury woes | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Clint Newland's shoulder injury and Anthony Perenise's calf injury have forced a delay to the naming of the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby side for Saturday's clash against Waikato in Napier.

Magpies co-coach Peter Russell had planned to announce the team yesterday for the seventh round ITM Cup clash at McLean Park but decided to give his regular starting props until today to prove their fitness.

Another of the Magpies props, Kaas Lealamanua, has recovered from his neck injury. Lealamanua and regular substitute Josh Keys were joined by Hawke's Bay Development team props Jodi Allen and Whetu Barber at training yesterday and Tuesday.

Magpies fullback Mark Jackman injured his ankle at training on Tuesday and will be out of action for the next fortnight at least.

While the Magpies remain third to last on the cup points table with one win, a draw and four losses from their six previous matches there is still plenty of support for the side.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's commercial manager Jay Campbell told SportToday 6500 tickets had been sold yesterday for the game.

"With a family-friendly kick off time of 2.35pm we're expecting a big walk-up crowd," said Campbell.

"A huge home crowd has the potential to play a key role in helping the boys get their campaign back on track and we've got plenty for the fans too."

Pre-match entertainment will include a pipe and sticks band, the EIT wheelbarrow race, text competitions and two games of rippa rugby. The popular Tumu ITM Challenge will again provide the halftime entertainment.

The clash is another must-win encounter in the Magpies quest to secure a berth in the top seven segment of the cup.

From next year the existing 14 teams will be split into two divisions of seven teams each - the Premiership and the Championship based on this season's finishing teams.