Hawke's Bay Magpies Stay Unbeaten With 36-21 Win Over Southland Stags

The Hawke's Bay Magpies have cemented their status as the undisputed heavyweights of the 2026 Bunnings NPC, extending their flawless start to five matches with a 36-21 victory over the Southland Stags at Rugby Park.[1][2]

Braving a wet, wind-swept Invercargill night, the Magpies delivered a masterclass in first-half execution. Playing with a ridiculously strong gale at their backs, the visitors camped deep inside Southland territory and systematically dismantled the Stags' defense to race out to a 31-0 halftime lead.[3]

The standout architect of the opening stanza was 21-year-old Will Cole. Handed his first start at fly-half, the former New Zealand U20 playmaker looked entirely comfortable pulling the strings. Cole capped a brilliant first half by throwing a perfectly timed dummy pass, pinning his ears back, and diving over for a try just inside the right post.[1]

"We wanted to just hold the ball a little bit," said Hawke's Bay's Frank Lochore, who stepped seamlessly into the captaincy role and scored two tries in the relentless first-half blitz. "Obviously our get-to line was a little bit shorter, we wanted to play our jag sides."[1]

Folau Fakatava also crossed the whitewash twice in the opening 40 minutes, finishing off sweeping attacking moves that showcased the Magpies' lethal offloading game despite the treacherous conditions.[1]

However, the second half told a completely different story. Staring down a massive deficit and a fired-up home crowd, the Southland Stags refused to fold, mounting a spirited fightback that genuinely tested the ladder-leaders' defensive resolve.[1][3]

All Blacks Sevens ace Scott Gregory sparked the resurgence, crashing over for Southland's first try in the 46th minute. Gregory, making his first start at center this season, was a constant physical presence and carried the ball with punishing intent throughout the contest.[1][3]

Hawke's Bay briefly halted the momentum when Hunter Morrison crossed for a try, but the final 30 minutes belonged almost entirely to the home side's gritty pack. NSW Waratahs prop Jack Barrett powered his way over the line to further cut into the deficit.[1]

With just six minutes remaining, Stags captain Sean Withy—who led the competition in tackles and took on a massive workload all night—crossed for Southland's final try. Mika Muliaina's successful conversion brought the final score to a respectable 36-21.[1][3]

"The Stags down here are tough, tough as," Lochore acknowledged after the final whistle, paying respect to the hosts' resilience. "And the weather, in Hawke's Bay we're not really used to this weather so we knew it was going to be a scrap."[1]

The loss drops Southland to a 1-4 record for the season, but their second-half performance demonstrated the grit and capability to challenge top-tier opposition. The Stags now enter a ten-day break to regroup, with Withy emphasizing the need for consistent week-to-week preparation.[3]

Meanwhile, Hawke's Bay returns home with their perfect record intact. Sitting alone at the top of the NPC ladder, the Magpies have proven they can win ugly on the road—a vital championship trait as the stakes rise in the second half of the season.[1]