Wellington Pride named for final regular season round in Farah Palmer Cup campaign

The Wellington Pride are preparing to head north this weekend to take on the Auckland Storm in their final regular round of their Farah Palmer Cup campaign. 

Wellington Pride head Coach Zak Feaunati has made some changes for his side’s clash against Auckland, following last week’s win against Bay of Plenty. 

The front row remains unchanged – with Angel Mulu and Raylene Lolo flanking former Black Fern, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate. 

Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate comes into the middle row to partner captain Jackie Patea-Fereti. There are not changes in last week’s loose forward trio, with Maddie Feaunati at blindside, Sinead Ryder at openside, and Nina Foaese at number 8.  

Milly Mackey steps in to partner Thamsyn Newton in the halves, while Monica Tagoai and Teilah Ferguson maintain their midfield spots. 

The back three sees a total shake up with Julie Tusa starting on the right wing, Bernadette Robertson and Waitomo Chiefs Manawa Georgia Daals rounding out the starting team.  

On the bench – Paige Misky, Angelica Uila, Oneata Schwalger, Alexis Tauaneai and Hosanna Aumua round out the forward replacements. Ana Afuie, Arene Landon-Lane and Ivana Samani will cover the backs, with the latter looking to make her Pride debut.  

Wellington Pride Head Coach Zak Feaunati is looking for enthusiasm when his team takes the field on Saturday. 

“Auckland is a strong team. We’ve been focusing on the level of energy we want to start this game with this week. If we can nail the basics, and bring a solid defence, we will set a good platform for the rest of the game,” said Feaunati. 

Wellington Pride take on the Auckland Storm (R7) 12:35pm on Saturday 27 August at Eden Park, Auckland. The game will be live on Sky Sport.  

Wellington Pride to take on the Auckland Storm: 
1.            Angel Mulu 
2.            Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate 
3.            Raylene Lolo 
4.            Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate 
5.            Jackie Patea-Fereti ©  
6.            Maddie Feaunati 
7.            Sinead Ryder 
8.            Nina Foaese 
9.            Milly Mackey 
10.          Thamsyn Newton 
11.          Bernadette Robertson 
12.          Monica Tagoai  
13.          Teilah Ferguson 
14.          Julie Tusa 
15.          Georgia Daals 

IMPACT 
16.          Paige Misky 
17.          Angelica Uila  
18.          Oneata Schwalger 
19.          Alexis Tauaneai 
20.          Hosanna Aumua 
21.          Ana Afuie 
22.          Ivana Samani * 
23.          Arene Landon-Lane 

* Denotes debut