Late Changes for Lions, Savea to Wear 13
On the eve of the Lions Round 2 game against Waikato, illness has struck within the squad forcing a late change.
Vince Aso has been ruled out of the clash due to illness, forcing a reshuffle in the backline. Julian Savea will now move into centre to replace Aso, while Tomasi Alosio gets promoted from the bench to take Savea’s position on the wing. 20-year-old Oriental Rongotai winger Roderick Solo comes onto the bench in line for his potential debut.
Savea, who returned to New Zealand for last season’s NPC, played one game in the midfield in 2020, with this being his first midfield appearance in 2021. After scoring a try in last weekend’s victory, Savea will be looking to make his presence be felt, partnering Hurricane’s teammate Peter Umaga-Jensen in the midfield.
Samoan international Tomasi Alosio will make his first start for the Lions since returning back to the capital this season, with a very prolific Sevens background, Alosio will be a handful for all defenders and will relish his chance to get some big minutes under his belt.
And finally, young winger Roderick Solo will be on the bench, hoping for a Lions debut. Solo was one of the MVP’s at the 2019 Ignite 7s tournament, leading to time with the All Blacks 7s. The former New Zealand School’s representative has battled with knee injuries through his career, coming off surgery only 11 months ago.
The Lions round 2 clash against Waikato kicks off at 2:05pm on Sunday, LIVE on Sky Sport.
The Matchday 23 is: (* denotes potential debut)
1. Vince Sakaria
2. Asafo Aumua
3. Alex Fidow
4. James Blackwell
5. Dominic Bird
6. Taine Plumtree
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi ©
8. Keelan Whitman
9. Richard Judd
10. Ruben Love
11. Pepesana Patafilo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Julian Savea
14. Tomasi Alosio
15. Wes Goosen
16. Tyrone Thompson
17. PJ Sheck
18. Hoani Tui
19. Caleb Delaney
20. Sam Smith
21. Connor Collins
22. Brandyn Laursen
23. Roderick Solo *
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Ambler
+64 22 413 4237
[email protected]