Golden opportunity squandered by the Magpies after a careless knock-on following relentless pressure. Tasman have the chance to clear their lines.
Hawke's Bay are penalised yet again for ill-discipline at the breakdown just inside halfway. Marty Banks steps up and splits the uprights with a fine attempt at goal. He puts his side in front for the first time in the match. Tasman lead 13-10.
The Magpies are now penalised for failing to roll away at the breakdown. Banks has the opportunity to level the scores with this attempt at goal. And he makes no mistake as the ball sails between the uprights. The scores are now level at 10 points a piece.
Tasman are penalised once more in failing to release the player at the breakdown. West, with a 100% record so far, is posed with a challenging kick on the right touchline. Uncharacteristically, he pulls the attempt to the left of the uprights. The scores remain at 7-10.
Tasman are penalised by referee Glen Jackson for leaving their feet at the breakdown. West is gifted with the opportunity to put the visitors back in front. And he makes no mistake with the attempt at goal. Magpies now lead 7-10.
Try for Makos! Having opted to run out of their own territory, Buckman found himself isolated and forced the turnover. Spreading the ball wide, winger Bryce Heem runs straight over try-scorer Zac Guildford to touchdown for his side's first try of the game. Banks adds the extras to level the scores at 7-7.
And it strikes the post. Ball drops in Hawke's Bay hands and Alby Matthewson clears the lines. The scores remain at 0-7.
Hawke's Bay penalised for side entry into the breakdown, just outside the 22. Edmonds the guilty party on this occasion. Marty Banks has the opportunity to reduce the gap to 4 points.
The opening two minutes have started at an intense pace. Big hits from both sides have certainly marked signs of a highly physical encounter to come. Phase after phase of strong Hawke's Bay running, talisman Ihaia West spots an opening in the Makos defence to release speedster Zac Guildford who beats two covering defenders to touchdown under the Makos posts. Having gone upstairs for alleged foul play in previous phases, Glen Jackson awards the try. Ihaia West adds the extras to put the visitors in front 0-7.
Hello all and welcome to Ultimate Rugby’s coverage of the eagerly anticipated ITM Cup Final with the Tasman Makos playing host to Hawke’s Bay at Trafalgar Park. Hosts Tasman Makos, having had a consistent ITM cup campaign to date, will certainly be looking to end their campaign on a high. Their inspirational captain, Shane Christie, rejoins the back-row following a concussion and he is joined by Gary Redmond, who takes over from Tevita Koloamatangi having failed a concussion test. A full strength side for Hawke’s Bay this evening with slight concerns over the fitness of Mike Coman and Andrew Horell. Over the previous 6 meetings, Tasman have managed to win 4 of them, and coupled with their consistency this season, they have proved themselves to be a potent force. Hawke’s Bay however, are most certainly not short of match-winners so it’s very much all to play for. We’re about to get underway here so let’s hope it’s a cracker.