Magpies prop unsung hero on and off field
Wind the clock back to Tuesday night's TV One 6pm news and the item on the Napier floods.
Most Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby fans will have recognised Magpies, Hurricanes and Maori All Black prop Pouri Rakete-Stones busy helping mother Wendy cleaning up flood damage in the family's Pirimai home. The reporter obviously didn't know about Rakete-Stones sporting background.
"I was just cruising. It was good to stay anonymous and get on with the job. We're still chipping away at it," 2017 world champion Baby Black Rakete-Stones said on Thursday.
That sums up Rakete-Stones work ethic and season with the Magpies to date. Along with captain and hooker Ash Dixon, lock Tom Parsons and loosies Brendon O'Connor, Devan Flanders and Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Rakete-Stones, 23, has been one of the standout forwards but received little kudos for his efforts.
He made 14 tackles during last weekend's win against Wellington. During 520 minutes of action in nine games to date this season Rakete-Stones has gained 108 metres from 45 carries for an average gain of 2.40m. He has also beaten six defenders.
"I'm stoked with the year and I'm building the confidence. It's good to see the backs are doing well after the hard work the forwards do," Rakete-Stones said.
It isn't a surprise Rakete-Stones has been selected on the subs bench for the 10th round Mitre 10 Cup Championship clash against Taranaki in Inglewood tomorrow.
"I've started every game apart from the North Harbour game when I got the last 30 minutes. I'll be happy with the last 30 this week too," Rakete-Stones explained.
There is a chance he could prop against fellow Hurricane and former Magpie Ben May tomorrow.
"I've only propped against Ben in trainings. So it will be a bit of fun and a good opportunity if it happens," Rakete-Stones said.
While he agreed last year's second placing in the Championship was a good effort this year has been better with the locking away of the Ranfurly Shield for the summer.
"It has been a fun year but the job isn't done. Winning the Championship is the focus now and it's important we take things one game at a time," Rakete-Stones stressed.
He has another Hurricanes contract next year and is aiming to re-sign with the Magpies during the next fortnight. Rakete-Stones also has work ons during the remaining matches.
"It's just little things but I want to keep ticking the boxes with my core roles and aggression around the field which has always been a work on for me."
Magpies head coach Mark Ozich (pictured below) agreed Rakete-Stones had come of age this year.
"Pouri has had a big workload this season. We've got him on the bench this week to freshen him up and manage his workload."
Busy flankers Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Brendon O'Connor have been excluded from the 23 altogether in an attempt to freshen them up. Former All Black loosie Gareth Evans has recovered from his niggly ankle and will get game time off the subs bench.
Solomone Funaki will start at openside flanker and in-form versatile lock Geoff Cridge at blindside.
"Solomone has come on pretty well as a sub and now has an opportunity to start against a physical Taranaki side," Ozich explained.
Former Chiefs player Sam McNicol will start at centre for the second time this season. Ozich said McNicol was underdone when he started in the 46-10 fifth round loss to North Harbour.
"Sam has got over his ankle injury, has been training well and deserves another opportunity."
"With Otago playing Tasman on Saturday we will know what we have to do t stay on top of the table come kick off time. But we're going over there with the aim of getting four points and gaining momentum for the semifinals," Ozich added.
The full Magpies team for tomorrow's 2.05pm match:
Kurt Baker, Lolagi Visinia, Sam McNicol, Neria Fomai, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Makene, Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Solomone Funaki, Geoff Cridge, Tom Parsons, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Joe Apikotoa, Kianu Kereru-Symes (captain), Namatahi Waa. Substitutes: Forwards, Ash Dixon (vice captain), Pouri Rakete-Stones, Joel Hintz, Bryn Evans, Gareth Evans. Backs, Connor McLeod, Lincoln McClutchie, Stacey Ili.
