Hawke’s Bay has always been an important part of the Hurricanes club since its inception in 1996.
That has included not only playing an important part on the Hurricanes schedule list but also providing some of its most influential players and to celebrate that we have put together an all time Canes Magpies XV.
From former captain Norm Hewitt, a foundation player at the Hurricanes, to current squad members Ihaia West, Gareth Evans and Ben May.
Selection was not easy, however, especially with the calibre of players available in the same position.
There was a couple of positons that were slightly thin on options so some players, like Daniel Kirkpatrick, is slightly out of position in the XV.
Starting at the back, we have chosen former Havelock North High School fullback Jarrod Cunninghman who sadly left us back in 2007.
Cunningham, one of Hawke’s Bay’s favourite sons, was one of the most under-rated footballers of his era and deservedly would wear the No 15 jersey and be tasked with the goal kicking.
He would be flanked on the wings by Robbie Fruean and former All Black Zac Guildford. The midfield would feature Magpie stalwart Richard Buckman and Kirkpatrick while Ihaia West and Danny Lee form the halves pairing.
The pack is a formidable one with Gareth Evans playing off the back of the scrum with fellow loose forwards Karl Lowe and Mike Coman.
The locks features another Evans, in Bryn, who would have played more games for the Hurricanes had he not headed overseas while he is joined in the second row by Mark Abbott, one of the Magpies best, while Ben Franks and Ben May are the two props selected.
That leaves hooker where Hewitt takes the No 2 jersey as well as the captaincy.
Canes Magpies XV: Jarrod Cunningham, Robbie Fruean, Richard Buckman, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Zac Guildford, Ihaia West, Danny Lee, Gareth Evans, Karl Lowe, Mike Coman, Bryn Evans, Mark Abbott, Ben May, Norm Hewitt ©, Ben Franks
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