Lions Team Named in RD5 Clash with the Southland Stags 

Heading into the Wellington Lions storm week – Head Coach, Leo Crowley has named his side to take on Southland in Invercargill in Round Five of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition.  

The front row remains unchanged – with Xavier Numia and former Wallaby Pekahou Cowan flanking Asafo Aumua. 

With James Blackwell unavailable for selection due to injury, Marist St Pats Josh To’omaga gets his first start at lock, partnering with Dominic Bird who returns from injury.  

“We’re wrapped for Josh. He’s come off the bench last week and done a fine job for us. He missed a substantial part of the club season due to injury, and to get back into the condition he’s in is a credit to Josh’s work ethic. We’re really looking forward to him bringing his skillset against Southland who we know will be a combative side,” said Crowley.  

Caleb Delany starts at six, and with Captain Du’Plessis Kirifi out with a minor injury, young up and comer, Oriental-Rongotai's Sione Halalilo makes his second start of the season at openside. 19-year-old Peter Lakai rounds out the loose trio.  

“Sione has another opportunity to start with Du’Plessis injured. He gained confidence in his first start against Canterbury. We know he learnt a lot there and we’re looking forward to him putting those learnings into action out on the paddock,” said Crowley. 

TJ Perenara retains his spot and will captain the side from halfback. 

Aidan Morgan retains the 10 jersey and will be looking for support from the midfield in the form of Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor.  

The back three remains the same with Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder on the wings and Connor Garden-Bachop at fullback.  

On the bench – James O’Reilly, Solomona Sakalia and Tawa’s Siale Lauaki cover the front row. Tawa’s Hugo Plummer and MSP’s Keelan Whitman round out the forward replacements, with Plummer set to make his debut. Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Wainui’s Ruben Love will round out the matchday 23.  

The Lions take on Southland, Saturday 3 September, 4:35pm at Rugby Park, Invercargill. The match will be aired live on Sky Sport.  

Wellington Lions to take on Southland:   
 

1 Xavier Numia, Oriental-Rongotai 

2 Asafo Aumua, Avalon 

3 Pekahou Cowan, Petone 

4 Dominic Bird, Upper Hutt Rams 

5 Josh To’omaga, Marist St Pats 

6 Caleb Delany, Old Boys University 

7 Sione Halalilo, Oriental-Rongotai 

8 Peter Lakai, Petone 

9 TJ Perenara, Northern United (c) 

10 Aidan Morgan, Marist St Pats 

11 Nehe Milner-Skudder, Eastbourne 

12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wainuiomata 

13 Billy Proctor, Marist St Pats 

14 Julian Savea, Oriental-Rongotai 

15 Connor Garden-Bachop, Northern United 

IMPACT 

16 James O’Reilly, Hutt Old Boys Marist 

17 Solomona Sakalia, Northern United 

18 Siale Lauaki, Tawa 

19 Hugo Plummer, Tawa * 

20 Keelan Whitman, Marist St Pats 

21 Richard Judd, Paremata-Plimmerton 

22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, Northern United 

23 Ruben Love, Wainuiomata 

*Denotes debut 

Unavailable for Selection: Vince Sakaria, Tietie Tuimauga, Taine Plumtree, Connor Collins, Iona Apineru, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Pepesana Patafilo, James Blackwell