Lions Back Experience for Hawke’s Bay Clash

The Lions return home to Sky Stadium this weekend to take on the in-form Hawke’s Bay Magpies. After a tough loss to Taranaki last weekend, head coach Leo Crowley has backed the experience in his squad when selecting his starting XV, with Peter Umaga-Jensen and Dominic Bird returning to the starting lineup.  

In the front row, Bruce Kauika-Petersen comes in for Tyrone Thompson, and Dominic Bird returns to the side to partner James Blackwell, who had the captain duties last weekend. Du’Plessis Kirifi regains captaincy of the side, while Caleb Delany shifts from lock to the blindside flanker position in place of Taine Plumtree, Iona Apineru will make his Lions debut at the back of the scrum, after withdrawing late last week. 

Connor Collins earns his first start of the season at halfback, while Aidan Morgan regains the 10 jersey after an impressive performance last weekend. Peter Umaga-Jensen returns to the midfield to partner Vince Aso, with Wes Goosen and Pepesana Patafilo again on the wings. Ruben Love will steer the ship from the back.  

On the bench, James O’Reilly has been named to play his first match of the season, while the experience of Pekahou Cowan will also come handy for the Lions.   

The two sides last met in a Ranfurly Shield challenge last season, where Hawkes Bay were successful, but Wellington has only lost to the Magpies once at home, in 1977. A win on Sunday would see the Lions jump into the Premiership top 4.    

Kick off on Sunday is at 2:05pm, with the Premier 1 College final between St Patrick's College, Silverstream and Scots College the curtain raiser. Both matches will be LIVE on Sky Sport.  

The matchday 23 is: (*denotes potential debut)   

1. Xavier Numia 
2. Bruce Kauika-Petersen 
3. Alex Fidow 
4. James Blackwell 
5. Dominic Bird 
6. Caleb Delany 
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi © 
8. Iona Apineru*
9. Connor Collins 
10. Aidan Morgan 
11. Wes Goosen 
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen 
13. Vince Aso 
14. Pepesana Patafilo 
15. Ruben Love 

Replacements:
 

16. James O’Reilly 
17. Vince Sakaria 
18. Pekahou Cowan 
19. Tyrone Thompson 
20. Sam Smith 
21. Richard Judd 
22. Brandyn Laursen 
23. Tomasi Alosio 

WRFU Key Contact:

Rebecca Ambler
Media and Communications Manager
M: +64 (0)22 413 4237
E: [email protected]