Visinia earns starting role for Magpies against Steelers
Former All Black Sevens representative Lolagi Visinia looks upon his Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby contract as an enjoyable reunion.
The 27-year-old, who is also a former Blues Super player, is being coached by Mark Ozich and Josh Syms who were his Kelston Boys' High School 1st XV coaches in 2009 and '10. Magpies assistant coach Syms was also his Auckland under-16 team coach.
For Visinia, who had been playing in France since 2017 before linking up with the Magpies, it also provides an opportunity to play alongside his brother Sebastian at first class level after they played together for the Clive club.
"Sebastian didn't expect a call up to the squad but he has been training really well and it would be pretty special to play with him in the black and white jersey," Visinia said.
After coming off the bench in last week's 16-10 loss to Southland Visinia will start on the right wing for the Magpies in tomorrow's Mitre 10 Cup second round match against the Counties-Manukau Steelers at Napier's McLean Park. Jonah Lowe will move to the left wing replacing Mason Emerson who drops out of the 23.
The only other change to the starting XV sees All Black halfback Brad Weber replace Highlander Folau Fakatava.
"My goal is to get as many minutes as I can and be consistent week in and week out. Hopefully I can do enough to get re-signed for next year," Visinia said.
He can play wing, fullback or centre and doesn't mind which role he is allocated.
"Whatever helps the team. There is good competition for berths and we all push each other at trainings," Visinia explained.
"Last week was a tough game in wet conditions. Unfortunately we didn't get the result but the boys will do well and bounce back this week," Visinia said.
He is expecting the Steelers to turn up with size and power.
"They will have a big pack and backs who can carry the ball well. It's important we try and retain possession, build phases and run them around the park. We want to tire them out and finish it off at the back end," Visinia explained.
Like Visinia, Magpies head coach Ozich, is happy with the hosts buildup this week.
"We've got an opportunity to bounce back from the disappointment from last week," Ozich said.
He is expecting the Steelers to be big and physical particularly on the edges and this is why he is opted for Visinia out wide rather than Emerson. Ozich pointed out Hurricanes midfielder Danny Toala has been named on the bench after returning from a shoulder injury collected in the Maddison Trophy final.
"This is another opportunity for Ollie [Sapsford] to stake a claim for the No 12 jersey and Danny gives us that utility cover on the bench," Ozich said.
While many Magpies fans were surprised by the selection of Highlanders loosie Marino Mikaele-Tu'u at blindside flanker for the second consecutive week after being consistently ranked among the top three No 8s in Super Rugby Ozich said he considered this to be the best spot for him at the moment.
"It reflects what we are trying to do and it's part of our selection process."
Ozich said former All Black lock Bryn Evans and former Tonga prop Sona Taumalolo are both available for selection and their opportunities will come. Chiefs midfield back Sam McNicol is expected to be available around rounds four and five and prop Namatahi Waa is also expected to return in the later rounds after recovering from appendix surgery.
If the Magpies are to beat the Steelers it's crucial they reduce their turnovers conceded count of 17 last week. That's far too many regardless of the weather conditions.
The Magpies team for tomorrow's 2.05pm match is:
Kurt Baker, Lolagi Visinia, Stacey Ili, Ollie Sapsford, Jonah Lowe, Lincoln McClutchie, Brad Weber (vice captain), 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, Solomone Funaki. Backs, Folau Fakatava, Caleb Makene, Danny Toala.
