Wellington Lions Name Team for Opening Round Clash with Manawat?

August 04, 2023
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Ultimate Rugby

Wellington Lions Head Coach Tamati Ellison has named his 23 for Saturday’s opening round of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC, against the Manawatū Turbos in Palmerston North.

The match marks prop, Xavier Numia 50^th appearance for the team. Since his debut in 2018, the Oriental-Rongotai loosehead has become a regular in the number one jersey.

“It’s a special moment, to be running out for the 50^thtime in the Wellington jersey. It has been a represent my hometown, and I’m glad I can give back to a region that has given me so much” said Numia.

Numia, coming off a stint with the All Blacks XV is joined in the side by Billy Proctor and Du’Plessis Kirifi, with the latter captaining the side.

‘We’ve been able to stay consistent with naming those who started in our Ranfurly Shield games, and mix them in with our returning All Blacks XV and New Zealand Under 20 players” Ellison said.

After five years in the UK and France – flanker Brad Shields returns to the Wellington Lions after stints with Wasps, Perpignan and internationally with England.

“It’s exciting to be back, I’m hoping to add a little bit of experience to the side but the competition with the young players is pushing me to be better.” said Shields.

Numia, in his 50^th, will be joined by Josh Southall and PJ Sheck in the front row. Tall timber in the second row with Caleb Delany and Hugo Plummer in the locking department.

Shields and Kirifi are joined in the loose forward trio by Marist St Pats’ Keelan Whitman.

Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Aidan Morgan form a combination they will look to build on throughout the season in the 9 and 10 jerseys respectively.

Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor team up in the midfield and will look to release the speedy Pepesana Patafilo and Losi Filipo. Proctor scoring four in his last outing with the All Blacks XV in Japan. Ruben Love will line up at the back.

On the bench, Oriental-Rongotai Captain, Penieli Poasa earns a pntential debut at reserve hooker. Also on debut, prop Cameron Orr, and Siale Lauaki are strong cover in the front row.

Akira Ieremia and Jubilee Cup Final MVP Dominic Ropeti round out the cover in the forwards.

Old Boy’s University halfback Kyle Preston is joined by the young duo of Tjay Clarke and Chicago Doyle in the backs reserves.

The Lions take on Manawatū this Saturday, 7:05pm at CET Arena in Palmerston North, the match will be live on Sky Sport.

Wellington Lions side to take on Manawatū: