Lions Named to Take on Otago at Sky Stadium on Sunday
Head Coach, Leo Crowley has named his side to battle it out with Otago for the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy, this Sunday at Sky Stadium, in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC.
The front row sees some changes – James O’Reilly is joined by Pekahou Cowan and Xavier Numia.
Peter Lakai replaces Keelan Whitman at number 8, and Captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returns from injury at Openside.
The backline sees a complete reshuffle – Aidan Morgan and TJ Perenara return to the starting lineup.
A new midfield combination sees the return of midfielder's Peter Umaga-Jensen and Billy Proctor.
Pepesana Patafilo shifts back to the left wing, with Julian Savea on the right. Ruben Love retains his starting spot at fullback after an impressive performance on Wednesday night’s clash against Tasman.
On the bench – Asafo Aumua, Solomona Sakalia and PJ Sheck cover the front row. Taine Plumtree and Keelan Whitman round out the forward replacements.
Richard Judd, Losi Filipo and Nehe Milner-Skudder will round out the matchday 23.
The Lions take on Otago at Sky Stadium this Sunday, 11 September at 2:05pm. Get your tickets at https://wellingtonlions.flicket.co.nz/
The match will be aired live on Sky Sport.
Lions named to take on Otago:
1 Xavier Numia, Oriental-Rongotai
2 James O’Reilly, Hutt Old Boys Marist
3 Pekahou Cowan , Petone
4 James Blackwell , Petone
5 Dominic Bird, Upper Hutt RAMS
6 Caleb Delany, Old Boys University
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, Northern United
8 Peter Lakai, Petone
9 TJ Perenara, Northern United
10 Aidan Morgan, Marist St Pats
11 Pepesana Patafilo, Tawa
12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wainuiomata
13 Billy Proctor, Marist St Pats
14 Julian Savea, Oriental-Rongotai
15 Ruben Love, Wainuiomata
16 Asafo Aumua, Avalon
17 Solomona Sakalia, Northern United
18 PJ Sheck, Tawa
19 Taine Plumtree, Old Boys University
20 Keelan Whitman, Marist St Pats
21 Richard Judd, Paremata-Plimmerton
22 Losi Filipo, Northern United
23 Nehe Milner-Skudder, Eastbourne
Unavailable for Selection: Vince Sakaria, Tietie Tuimauga, Connor Collins, Iona Apineru, Josh Toómaga, Siale Lauaki