Peter Umaga-Jensen looking forward to Otago challenge
The last time Wellington played Otago at Westpac Stadium it was Thomas Umaga-Jensen who was the telling difference in a 29-24 victory for the Lions.
Thomas produced a Player of the Match display at second five-eighth, while wing Ben Lam dotted down twice in the tight victory.
Wellington are making close wins somewhat of a specialty in 2019. Unblemished for a month, the Lions have won two games by a solitary point, including last week’s 16-15 victory over Bay of Plenty.
The visitors only try in Rotorua was a kick claimed by Thomas’ twin, Peter Umaga-Jensen, in the 12 jersey.
“We had to work hard to get it,” Peter reflects.
“We didn’t get in their 22 often, but we deserved that because Jackson (Garden-Bachop) put in a great kick and our forwards showed a lot of attrition.
“Bay of Plenty were really niggly. They made life difficult for us.”
Peter has shown plenty of character to overcome serious injuries, including a broken leg and damaged shoulder which kept him on the sidelines for the best part of a year.
Despite the time on the sidelines, Peter managed to accomplish a Hurricanes debut in 2018 as he went on to feature a further four times this year, and was essential in Wainuiomata reaching only their second Jubilee Cup final. Peter was the green and blacks leading try scorer.
“The Super Rugby season was good for me. I got a chance to mix with experienced players and my confidence grew. Playing for Wainui was awesome. We got great support and properly surprised a lot of people, ” Peter observed.
Otago are brimming with confidence. A 35-27 win over highly-fancied Taranaki last Sunday ensured the Ranfurly Shield stayed in Dunedin. However Otago’s form away from home has been less than stellar.
“Otago play a lot of razzle, dazzle footy. We need to lock them down, ensure our line speed is fast and don’t give them space,” Peter said.
Former New Zealand Sevens representative Vili Koroi shapes as a particularly alarming threat. He scored 20 points in the Taranaki triumph and is an individual talent Peter is familiar with.
“I played a bit of high school footy with Vili. He likes to have a crack and can hurt you from anywhere.”
He has started at second five-eighth in all five Mitre10 Cup matches this year, taking his tally to 17 appearances for the Lions. Thomas also boasts 17 games for the province. Remarkably, the twins both played 48 games and scored 32 tries when together in the Scots College First XV.
On Sunday, Wellington and Otago also play for the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy in honour of the former Wellington and Otago midfielder who died prematurely due to cancer.
The Wellington versus Otago kicks-off at Westpac Stadium at 2:05pm and is preceded by a Farah Palmer Cup fixture between the Wellington Pride and Counties Manukau at 11:35am.