Wellington Lions Name Team for Opening Clash

August 08, 2024
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Ultimate Rugby

Wellington Lions Head Coach Alando Soakai has named his side for Friday’s opening round of the 2024 Bunnings Warehouse NPC season, against Auckland at Eden Park.

Xavier Numia returns to the Front Row, coming back from an injury he sustained in Super Rugby. Numia is joined by Siale Lauaki and Penieli Poasa. Powerhouse locks Hugo Plummer and Teofilo Paulo have also been named in the run-on side.

Flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to captain the Wellington side for the sixth year, alongside loose forwards Brad Shields and Peter Lakai, all coming in strong after a stellar Super Rugby season.

Julian Savea and Peter Umaga-Jensen will form an experienced midfield; with returning International Matt Proctor looking to make an impact off the bench. Petone’s Tjay Clarke starts at fullback and will look for support from teammate Riley Higgins and Pepesana Patafilo.

Halfback Kyle Preston will line up alongside first-five Jackson Garden-Bachop, fresh from an overseas stint in France.

With three players set to make their Lions debut, Soakai said it was a special moment for the players as well as the community.

“We’re really excited to have players like Harkin and McLeod who are coming in fresh from an impressive club rugby season. It’s a great moment for the boys, and for their club, to see them run out and debut together. This is what the game is all about, supporting rugby from the grass roots level all the way through to high-performance level.”

International Loosehead Prop, Yota Kamimori, also looks set to make his Lions debut after an impressive pre-season hit out.

The Lions take on Auckland in Round 1 at Eden Park on Saturday 10 August at 7:35PM.

Wellington Lions team to take on Auckland: