Otago mute Magpies' war cry | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Where was the patience and phase play when required?

SportToday had to ask Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's co-coach Peter Russell the question following yesterday 17-16 sixth round ITM Cup loss to bottom-of-the-table Otago in Dunedin.

"All week the war cry was to be patient and build phases. The boys learnt the hard way what happens if you don't stick to it," replied Russell.

"Moving the ball across the backline in a wind as strong as that wasn't the most intelligent thing to do."

How right he was, and while the players must take responsibility for their actions, they also have every right to feel ripped off by Canterbury referee James McPhail on at least three occasions in the second half. The first was when No8 Grant Webb was pulled back for an incorrect tap penalty kick when the television replay proved Webb had done everything right.

Replacement prop Josh Keys was unlucky not to be awarded a try in the 66th minute and halfback Chris Eaton was unlucky to be pulled back and penalised after scampering off for what could have been the match-winning try. Eaton had snaffled the ball when it appeared to be out of an Otago ruck, but McPhail ruled it wasn't.

"I told the referee afterwards both teams are full of professional players who know what they're doing. It's disappointing and I feel for the guys," said Russell.

While he agreed the conceding of the 44th minute try to Otago's former All Black prop Kees Meeuws was crucial, as it allowed the hosts to establish a 14-point lead, Russell was proud of the manner in which his troops fought back. The comeback included a well-taken try by in-form hooker Hika Elliot.

"All isn't lost. Yes we wanted four or five points, but we will settle for one," said Russell.

"We have to keep inching our way. Our day in the sun will come ... I can feel it and I can see it in the eyes of the boys."

As was the case in the close loss to Ranfurly Shield holders Southland a fortnight ago, the Magpies can still take plenty of positives out of yesterday's performance. One was their defensive work for most of the game. Their scrum recovered from a wobbly start and operated well for large periods, despite prop Anthony Perenise leaving the field with a calf injury at halftime and fellow prop Clint Newland completing 80 minutes despite collecting a shoulder injury.

Once again Elliot can be proud of his display, but it was alarming when far too often he was a lone ranger.

If the Magpies are to secure a top-seven finish this season it's crucial Waikato are beaten in this Saturday's home game at McLean Park. This has been done before ... in fact twice in 2007 and 2008.

Otago's victory yesterday, their first of the season, is just one of numerous examples of upsets in this season's cup. As the Magpies prepare for Waikato they can learn from Otago's effort.

In particular the intelligent options from first five-eighth Glenn Dickson, the directness of Meeuws and the leadership and never-say-die approach from openside flanker Alando Soakai.

And for goodness sake Magpies, if you settle on a war cry for the week, stick to it.

You've got too good a side to be gifting victories to bottom-of-the-table outfits.