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Lions Named for Clash Against Northland in Home Triple Header

The Wellington Lions are preparing to take on Northland at Porirua Park this weekend – the match forms part of a triple header where the Wellington Pride take on Bay of Plenty and the next generation of college talent go toe-to-toe in the Tranzit Coachlines Cup Premiership 1st XV final. 

Leo Crowley has made a handful of changes to his run-on side which went down to Canterbury last weekend with World Cup winning All Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder set to make his Lions debut, and Dane Coles making a return to the Lions from the bench. 

Changes in the forward pack sees Caleb Delany line up at lock with James Blackwell, shifting Taine Plumtree to blindside and Captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returning from injury at openside. 

An exciting backline sees Richard Judd and Norths’ Jackson Garden-Bachop line up in the halves, and fresh from winning MLR with Rugby United New York, winger Milner-Skudder will make his debut. Julian Savea celebrates his 50th game on the right wing and the younger Garden-Bachop, Highlander Connor starts in the 15 jersey. 

“It’s awesome to celebrate Jules’ 50th this weekend. It’s a huge achievement and it will be a great occasion to celebrate at Porirua Park.” 

“Jules is an integral part of this group, consistently leading this group by example. We’re looking forward to showing Jules how valued he is and making it a memorable day for him and his whānau,” said Backs Coach, Tamati Ellison. 

All Black Dane Coles will make a welcome return to the Lions, one of 14 All Blacks released to their provincial unions for this weekend's match. 

The Lions take on the Northland in Round 3 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition at Porirua Park on Saturday 20 August, 2:05pm. Tickets are available, $5 for kids and students and from $10 for adults from https://wellingtonlions.flicket.co.nz/  

All games will be aired live on Sky Sport. 

Match Information: 

  • Wellington Pride v Bay of Plenty, 11:35AM 
  • Wellington Lions v Northland, 2:05PM 
  • St Pat’s Silverstream v St Pat’s Town, 4:15PM 

Wellington Lions to take on Northland:   

1 Xavier Numia, Oriental-Rongotai  
2 Asafo Aumua, Avalon  
3 Pekahou Cowan, Petone  
4 James Blackwell, Petone  
5 Caleb Delany, Old Boys University  
6 Taine Plumtree, Old Boys University  
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, Northern United (c) 
8 Peter Lakai, Petone  
9 Richard Judd, Paremata-Plimmerton  
10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, Northern United  
11 Nehe Milner-Skudder, Eastbourne * 
12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wainuiomata  
13 Billy Proctor, Marist St Pats  
14 Julian Savea, Oriental-Rongotai **50th Game 
15 Connor Garden-Bachop, Northern United  

IMPACT 

16 Dane Coles, Poneke
17 Solomona Sakalia, Northern United  
18 PJ Sheck, Tawa  
19 Josh Toómaga, Marist St Pats  
20 Keelan Whitman, Marist St Pats  
21 TJ Perenara, Northern United  
22 Ruben Love, Wainuiomata  
23 Pepesana Patafilo, Tawa  

*Denotes debut 

Unavailable for Selection: Vince Sakaria, Tietie Tuimauga, Connor Collins, Aidan Morgan, Dominic Bird, Iona Apineru. 

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