Minimal Changes for Lions Trip to Hamilton
The Wellington Lions have rewarded performance from last weekend’s big win over Northland, with only one forced changes for this weekend’s run-on side to tackle Waikato in Hamilton.
Prop Vince Sakaria gets a start as loosehead prop to replace the injured Xavier Numia.
To fill a spot on the bench, Tyrone Thompson recovers from injury to take his place as reserve hooker while prop Hoani Tui may play his first game for the Lions since 2008, being called in to cover the tighthead side of the scrum
Former All Black Dominic Bird impressed in week one and will again partner James Blackwell while an unchanged loose forward trio will see blindside flanker Taine Plumtree looking to continue where he left off with a hat trick against Northland.
In the backline, Richard Judd will again link with promising first five Ruben Love, while the rest of the backline have all had game time at Super Rugby level this year.
The Lions take on Waikato at FMG Stadium, kicking off at 2:05pm on Sunday. They will be looking for back-to-back wins to open the season for the first time since 2017.
The Matchday 23 is:
- Vince Sakaria
- Asafo Aumua
- Alex Fidow
- James Blackwell
- Dominic Bird
- Taine Plumtree
- Du’Plessis Kirifi ©
- Keelan Whitman
- Richard Judd
- Ruben Love
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Peter Umaga-Jensen
- Vince Aso
- Julian Savea
- Wes Goosen
- Tyrone Thompson
- PJ Sheck
- Hoani Tui
- Caleb Delaney
- Sam Smith
- Connor Collins
- Brandyn Laursen
- Tomasi Alosio
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Ambler
Communications Manager & Media Relations
+64 22 413 4237
[email protected]