Vodafone Wellington Lions

2010 ITM Cup Rd 11 - Vodafone Wellington Lions v North Harbour Highlights

The Vodafone Wellington Lions scored seven tries in beating North Harbour 52-23 at Albany on Sunday afternoon in round 11 of the ITM Cup. The Vodafone Wellington Lions pulled clear of North Harbour soon after halftime, scoring five tries and 32 unanswered points en route to registering their highest ever win over North Harbour, surpassing the 39-6 win over them in 1993. The Lions earned their fourth consecutive victory over North Harbour and their sixth in 11 competition games this season on the back of a committed all-round team performance, also aided by the guiding hands of returning All Blacks Piri Weepu at first five-eighth and Victor Vito at No. 8. The tight five worked well and the outside backs were too slick for their Harbour opposites, with wingers Alapati Leiua (2) and Julian Savea scoring three outstanding tries over the final 15 minutes to seal the well-deserved win.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 10 - Vodafone Wellington Lions v Bay of Plenty

The Vodafone Wellington Lions went down 24-31 to the Bay of Plenty Steamers in their ITM Cup round ten match at a wet and windy Westpac Stadium on Thursday night. The Vodafone Wellington Lions were unable to tame the elements and a committed Bay of Plenty side who defended their line well for long periods and made the most of their points scoring opportunities. The result hung in the balance right up until the final few minutes before Bay of Plenty right winger Lelia Masaga ran over half the length of the field to score the match clinching try, taking his side out a seven-point advantage.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 9 - Vodafone Wellington Lions v Canterbury

The Vodafone Wellington Lions were defeated 30-37 by Canterbury in their ITM Cup round nine fixture at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon. A late furry of scoring with the wind behind them earned the home side their victory over the Lions in front of a bumper home crowd that was given free entry in respect of the recent Canterbury earthquake. In an even contest throughout, both sides played open and enterprising rugby whenever possible and each scored four tries. But it was Canterbury tries in the 64th and 68th minutes that helped make the difference, giving them a 34-25 lead heading into the last 10 minutes. With the Lions in front 25-20 following a try off the back of a scrum to No. 8 Faifili Levave, Canterbury fullback Sean Maitland scored in the corner and first five-eighth Colin Slade converted to put Canterbury ahead for the first time since midway through the first half. Replacement midfielder Sonny Bill Williams then broke through for a second quickfire converted try to extend their advantage to nine points. The Lions hit back almost immediately through halfback Alby Mathewson who stole the ball from the back of a Canterbury scrum on their own goaline and darted over for a five-pointer, bringing the score back to 34-30. The home side were able to re-establish field position and hold off the Lions once more and Slade was able to kick a late penalty to make sure of the victory.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 8 - Wellington v Hawke's Bay

The Vodafone Wellington Lions showed great commitment in beating the Hawke's Bay Magpies 17-13 on Wellington Rugby's Old Timers' Day at Westpac Stadium. The young Vodafone Wellington Lions side held on gallantly throughout the second half in repelling everything the Magpies threw at them as they protected a 17-10 halftime lead. All the visitors could muster in the second 40 minutes with a gusty wind in their favour was a solitary penalty that closed the deficit to four points, as the Lions defended with vigour and eventually closed the game out in the dying minutes through their hard working forward pack and industrious loose forward trio.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 7 - Wellington v Auckland Highlights

The Vodafone Wellington Lions were beaten 21-15 by Auckland at a sodden Eden Park on Saturday night. In torrential rain throughout, the Vodafone Wellington Lions made much of the game's attacking play but were unable to tame the difficult conditions and breach a stoic Auckland defence, with first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga's five penalties not enough for victory. The home side were able to score two first half tries, including one with the last act of the first half, which proved the difference in a tight game.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 6 - Wellington v Manawatu Highlights

The Vodafone Wellington Lions travelled to Palmerston North play a grudge match against neighbours Manawatu in Round 6 of the ITM Cup. The Lions struggled against a passionate and committed home side who led 14-12 at halftime and kept their noses in front throughout the second half. In a tense finish, the Lions scored a late try to close the deficit to within five points and pressed hard at the death for a match winner. But the Turbos secured a 36-24 victory with the last act of the game with a runaway intercept try to replacement midfielder Asalei Tikoirotuma.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 5 - Vodafone Wellington Lions v Northland Highlights

The Vodafone Wellington Lions grabbed a thrilling 31-28 victory over Northland in a free-flowing ITM Cup round five match at Westpac Stadium. After trailing the Taniwha throughout the match, the Lions secured their fourth win of the season when loosehead prop John Schwalger burrowed over for a converted try in the 76th minute after an attacking 5-metre scrum. Lions supporters then had their hands on their hearts in the 80th minute as Northland fullback Lachlan Munro pushed a penalty opportunity to the right of the uprights that would have tied the scores up.

2010 ITM Cup Rd 4 - Vodafone Wellington Lions v Waikato Highlights

The Vodafone Wellington Lions and Waikato meet at Westpac Stadium in Round Four of the 2010 ITM Cup. The Lions ended up prevailing 26-14 in a hard fought encounter.

Vodafone Wellington Lions in Samoa - Part 2

After the completion of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, Vodafone Wellington Lions players Arden David, Api Naikatini, Anthony Perenise, John Schwalger, David Smith, Victor Vito and Piri Weepu traveled to Samoa to assist in the tsunami devastated areas. The mingled with villagers, prepared food, entertained children and while there they helped the local police raise domestic violence awareness.

Vodafone Wellington Lions in Samoa - Part 1

After the completion of the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, Vodafone Wellington Lions players Arden David, Api Naikatini, Anthony Perenise, John Schwalger, David Smith, Victor Vito and Piri Weepu traveled to Samoa to assist in the tsunami devastated areas. They mingled with villagers, prepared food, entertained children and also helped the local and NZ police raise domestic violence awareness.