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Mills Albert Wellington Lions Team Named for Tasman Clash

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The Mills Albert Wellington Lions are closing out storm week with a bang, as two unbeaten teams go head-to-head in Blenheim.

 

In a match that doubles as a Ranfurly Shield challenge, the Lions go up against the Tasman Makos and fight to retain the Cook Strait Cup.  

 

Wellington Lions Head Coach Alando Soakai has named his side to take on Tasman, which will see Tawa’s Pepesana Patafilo running out for his 50th match.

 

“To play one game for my hometown is special, but to play 50 is incredible,” remarked Patafilo. “If you had told younger me, a kid from Porirua, that I would go on to play 50 games for the Lions I wouldn’t have believed you. This milestone is a special one for me and my family.”

 

Soakai has made key changes to the squad this weekend, with All Blacks Ruben Love and Billy Proctor being released to play.

 

Xavier Numia, Leni Apisai and Siale Lauaki form a familiar front row, with a strong impact group coming off the bench. After a well fought win against Otago, Akira Ieremia starts at lock alongside Filo Paulo.

 

Caleb Delany moves to start at loose forward, with Peter Lakai and Brad Shields completing the trio.

 

Julian Savea returns from injury to start on the wing, alongside young gun Riley Higgins. The return of Billy Proctor sees him partnering Peter Umaga-Jensen in the midfield, with Ruben Love starting at fullback.

 

The impact group provides a mixture of youth and experience, with notable inclusions for Matolu Petaia and Jeremiah Avei-Collins after spectacular debuts against Otago.

 

 

Wellington Lions squad to take on Tasman Makos:

  1. Xavier Numia – Oriental-Rongotai
  2. Leni Apisai – Paremata-Plimmerton
  3. Siale Lauaki – Tawa
  4. Akira Ieremia - Tawa
  5. Filo Paulo – Hutt Old Boys Marist
  6. Caleb Delany – Old Boys University
  7. Peter Lakai - Petone
  8. Brad Shields – VC- Petone
  9. Kyle Preston – Old Boys University
  10. Jackson Garden-Bachop – Northern United
  11. Riley Higgins - Petone
  12. Peter Umaga-Jensen – C - Wainuiomata
  13. Billy Proctor – Marist St Pats
  14. Julian Savea – Oriental-Rongotai
  15. Ruben Love - Wainuiomata
  16. Penieli Poasa – Oriental-Rongotai
  17. Yota Kamimori – Stokes Valley
  18. PJ Sheck - Tawa
  19. Matolu Petaia - Tawa
  20. Jeremiah Avei-Collins – Northern United
  21. Nui Muriwai - Waikato
  22. Pepesana Patafilo – 50th Match - Tawa
  23. Tjay Clarke – Petone

 

Unavailable for selection:

Mitch Mcleod, Losi Filipo, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Kazuki Kato, Sione Halalilo, Dominic Ropeti

 

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