Mills Albert Wellington Lions look to lock away the Jonah Tali Lomu Memorial Trophy
The Mills Albert Wellington Lions maintain their top of the table positioning after a close win against Bay of Plenty in the Capital last weekend.
Wellington Lions Head Coach Alando Soakai has named his side to take on Counties-Manukau as the team looks to lock away the Jonah ‘Tali’ Lomu Memorial Trophy challenge. Lomu played for both Wellington and Counties Manukau before his tragic passing in 2015.
The front pack sees a few changes, with Leni Apisai and Siale Lauaki returning to the starting lineup. Dominic Ropeti also moves back into the fold to start at lock alongside Caleb Delaney. No changes to a strong loose forward trio.
After an impressive hit out against the Steamers, Stanley Solomon will run out to start on the wing, marking the only shift to a steady backline.
A familiar lineup on the bench, with Filo Paulo and Tom Maiava making their way back into rotation. Leon Tuiloma looks set to run out for a potential debut, after a strong start to the season in the development squad.
The Mills Albert Wellington Lions head to Pukekohe to play Counties Manukau at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday, kick-off at 7.05pm.
Wellington Lions squad to take on Counties-Manukau:
- Xavier Numia – Oriental-Rongotai
- Leni Apisai – Paremata-Plimmerton
- Siale Lauaki – Tawa
- Dominic Ropeti – Oriental-Rongotai
- Caleb Delany – Old Boys University
- Brad Shields – VC- Petone
- Peter Lakai - Petone
- Jeremiah Avei-Collins – Northern United
- Nui Muriwai - Waikato
- Jackson Garden-Bachop – Northern United
- Stanley Solomon - Petone
- Peter Umaga-Jensen – C - Wainuiomata
- Riley Higgins - Petone
- Julian Savea – Oriental-Rongotai
- Tjay Clarke - Petone
- Leon Tuiloma* - Upper Hutt Rams
- Yota Kamimori – Stokes Valley
- PJ Sheck - Tawa
- Filo Paulo – Hutt Old Boys Marist
- Matolu Petaia - Tawa
- Kyle Preston – Old Boys University
- Callum Harkin – Old Boys University
- Tom Maiava – Oriental-Rongotai
*Debut
Players unavailable: Akira Ieremia, Harry Press, Hugo Plummer, Losi Filipo, Sione Halalilo, Kazuki Kato, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Penieli Poasa