Lions Name Side to Take on South Canterbury in the Hutt

July 18, 2023
1814
Ultimate Rugby

Wellington Lions Head Coach Tamati Ellison has made six changes to his starting side to take on South Canterbury tomorrow at the Hutt Rec.

Prop Solomona Sakalia and flanker Caleb Delaney come into the pack, while in the backline, Kyle Preston earns a start at halfback, Pepesana Patafilo takes his spot on the left wing, with Isi Saumaki pushing over to the right replacing Joe Faleafaga. Losi Filipo also slots into the midfield along captain Peter Umaga-Jensen.

The Lions will put the Ranfurly Shield on the line for the final time before the season starts, off the back of a 68-7 victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin last week, a performance that pleased Ellison.

“As a group we are happy with our performance last week, equally as happy we got 12 debutants on the field for their Wellington debuts.”

Johnsonville hooker James Douglas is also in line for his Wellington Lions debut, off the back of some strong outings in blue for the Hawks. Teammate Ha’amea Ahio and Petone halfback Logan Henry are the only other changes on the bench.

“South Canterbury are going to be a step up in level and will throw everything at us. We’ve prepared well and are up for the challenge” said Ellison.

“Getting to play in front of home fans for the first time this year with the shield is a great motivation, and will help us be ready to hit the ground running come week one.”

Solomona Sakalia slots into the front row alongside PJ Sheck and Asafo Aumua, both backing up from last week. Dominic Bird is again named vice-captain, and packs down alongside Tawa’s Hugo Plummer in the middle row.

Hurricane Caleb Delany comes into the side for Oriental-Rongotai’s Dominic Ropeti, with Ropeti’s club team mate Sione Halalilo backing up in the #7 jersey, as is Keelan Whitman at the back.

A start for Old Boys University halfback Kyle Preston, his first for the Lions after 40 minutes from the bench last week, with the developed experience of Aidan Morgan outside him at first five.

Peter Umaga-Jensen is again given the reigns of captaining the side, with a new midfield partner this week, the explosive Losi Filipo back in Wellington colours.

Isi Saumaki shifts from the left wing to the right, making space for Pepesana Patafilo to come in to the 23, Patafilo back in the capital after a championship winning season with the Crusaders. Petone fullback TJ Clarke is again selected at fullback.

Debutant James Douglas is joined by Ha’amea Ahio and Josiah Tevita-Metcalfe to provide front row cover. No changes through the middle of the bench as Anthony Pettett and Akira Ieremia are named once again. Logan Henry drops to the bench with Kyle Preston elevated to the starting side, and the Paremata-Plimmerton duo of Sam Clarke and Louis Northcott round out the side, both scoring on debut last week.

The match kicks off at 2:05pm on Wednesday at Hutt Rec, and will be live on Sky Sport.

You can purchase tickets for the match, as well as your 2023 Wellington Lions membership at wellingtonlions.flicket.co.nz

The Wellington Lions side to take on South Canterbury: