Mills Albert Wellington Lions go head-to-head with Hawkes Bay to round out the regular season
The boys are bringing it home for the final round-robin game of the season. This Saturday the Mills Albert Wellington Lions go head-to-head with the Hawkes Bay Magpies at Sky Stadium.
Wellington Lions Head Coach Alando Soakai has given his side a shakeup after last week’s loss to Counties-Manukau, with All Black Billy Proctor back in the mix and some familiar faces back from injury.
No changes to the front row, with Penieli Poasa back from injury and ready to provide impact off the bench. Also back from injury, Tawa’s Hugo Plummer returns to start at lock, lining up alongside Caleb Delany.
Sione Halalilo is back in the mix, completing a formidable loose forward trio with Akira Ieremia and Peter Lakai. Lakai steps up to Captain the side this week, with Peter Umaga-Jensen running out as Vice-Captain.
The backline sees a few changes, with Kyle Preston moving back into the fold to start at halfback. Billy Proctor, released from All Black duties, pairs up with Riley Higgins in the midfield.
Petone stalwart, Losi Filipo, makes his long-awaited return to the wing, running out alongside Julian Savea for the first time this season.
Wellington Lions squad to take on Hawkes Bay:
- Xavier Numia – Oriental-Rongotai
- Leni Apisai – Paremata-Plimmerton
- Siale Lauaki – Tawa
- Hugo Plummer - Tawa
- Caleb Delany – Old Boys University
- Akira Ieremia - Tawa
- Sione Halalilo - Tawa
- Peter Lakai – C- Petone
- Kyle Preston – Old Boys University
- Jackson Garden-Bachop – Northern United
- Losi Filipo - Petone
- Riley Higgins - Petone
- Billy Proctor – Marist St. Pats
- Julian Savea – Oriental-Rongotai
- Tjay Clarke - Petone
- Penieli Poasa – Oriental Rongotai
- Yota Kamimori – Stokes Valley
- Brad Chrichton – Northern United
- Filo Paulo – Hutt Old Boys Marist
- Matolu Petaia - Tawa
- Nui Muriwai - Waikato
- Callum Harkin – Old Boys University
- Peter Umaga-Jensen – VC – Wainuiomata
Unavailable for selection:
Dominic Ropeti, PJ Sheck, Matt Proctor, Harry Press, Kazuki Kato, Du’Plessis Kirifi, James O’Reilly, Pepesana Patafilo, Brad Shields