In-form Magpie warns of Turbos danger
In-form Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby lock Tom Parsons knows exactly what to expect from his former Manawatu Turbos side during tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield defence at Napier's McLean Park.
"This will be a tough match. They have not had the best of results but they have played some good footy at times," Parsons explained in the countdown to the Mitre 10 Cup Championship seventh round clash which also doubles as a Kel Tremain Trophy defence.
"They will never give up. We have to make sure we are on our game. For them to take the shield it would make their season. If we drop our standards they will let us know," Parsons warned.
A Central club player and son of former Magpies forward Rod Parsons, Parsons, played for the Turbos during the 2015, '16 and '17 seasons. He certainly can't be accused of dropping his standards this season.
For the bulk of the Cup campaign Lindisfarne College old boy Parsons, 30, has been ranked among the top three lineout jumpers in the country. To date this season he has secured 34 of the Magpies own throws and stolen two of the opposition's throws.
Parsons has a tackle percentage of 97.4 from 37 made and one miss. On the carry he has made 75 metres from 36 carries for an average gain of 2.08m.
He agreed spending time in the Highlanders camp earlier this season helped his game. While Parsons didn't get any Super Rugby Aotearoa minutes his form to date suggests he deserves a promotion next season but Parsons isn't counting his chickens.
"It would be nice to have a crack and gauge if I can cope at that level. But there are no openings at this stage. Because of Covid there isn't a big player turnover and there are only a couple of locking spots left. If it comes off it comes off but if it doesn't I'll just carry on doing what I'm doing," Parsons explained.
The veteran of 42 first class appearances for the Magpies, Parsons, also agreed his stint with the Toshiba club in Japan last summer also helped his game as he was coached by former All Black captain and lock-loosie Todd Blackadder.
"It was cool to experience their level of play. While it wasn't physical it was extremely fast and skilful. It was also a good opportunity to live overseas and experience a different culture. Todd was a good man to learn off and he also brought the experience of his time in the Northern Hemisphere," Parsons said.
Although he tasted Ranfurly Shield glory with the Magpies in 2014 Parsons said this season has been a special one with the Championship leaders.
"To get the win against Canterbury and take the shield the following week against Otago is something we will look back on for a while. It's important we continue to put in the work so we don't let the standards drop off. We have to try and get more consistency," Parsons emphasised.
He believed the experience the young players in the side are bringing had been a big influence on the Magpies success this season.
"Look at Devan Flanders. He is one of the best No 8s in the country but only in his third year in the squad."
Expect Parsons and Flanders to again be prominent for the Magpies tomorrow.
Just two changes have been made to the Magies starting XV used in last weekend's shield defence against Northland. The versatile Caleb Makene replaces former Turbo Kurt Baker at fullback and Hurricane Danny Toala replaces All Black Sevens squad member Ollie Sapsford at second five-eighth.
Two changes have also been made to the Magpies bench with Baker replacing Toala and Hurricanes outside back Jonah Lowe replacing Makene.
The winless Turbos are coached by former Magpies head coach Peter Russell who was in charge of the Magpies from 2007-'11.
The full Magpies team for tomorrow's 4.35pm clash is:
Caleb Makene, Lolagi Visinia, Stacey Ili, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Brendon O'Connor, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Tom Parsons, Geoff Cridge, Joe Apikotoa, Ash Dixon (captain), Pouri Rakete-Stones. Substitutes: Forwards, Kianu Kereru-Symes (vice captain), Jason Long, Joel Hintz, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Gareth Evans. Backs, Connor McLeod, Jonah Lowe, Kurt Baker.
