Changes Aplenty as Pride Target Counties Manukau
Wellington Pride Coach Zak Feaunati has made five changes to his run on XV for Saturday’s match against Counties Manukau at Sky Stadium.
After a physical encounter resulting in a late loss to Canterbury last week, the Pride will be looking to get back into the winners circle this weekend against Counties who are coming into the fixture on the back of two straight wins against Bay of Plenty and then Otago last weekend.
With fullback Thamsyn Newton travelling with the Black Ferns to England, Georgia Daals slots in at fullback, after coming off the bench last weekend. The other change in the backs is halfback Milly Mackey, who is set for her starting debut after two impressive performances off the bench. She comes in for Ana Afuie.
Meanwhile, Feaunati has made three changes to his pack, prop Barbra Taumoli also receives her first start of the campaign, with Isadora Leio-Laupola dropping to the bench. Black Fern Joanah Ngan-Woo moves back to the loose forwards in place of Nina Foaese, while Sanita Levave moves into the run-on team to partner captain Jackie Patea-Fereti in the middle of the scrum.
On the bench, 16-year-old Wainuiomata player Alexis Tauaneai and Petone prop Lavinia Lea could potentially make their Pride debut if they are called upon, and after a strong debut last weekend, Xavier Tusa retains her spot on the bench.
Kick off on Saturday is 11:35am at Sky Stadium, before the Lions take on Northland.
Get your tickets at bit.ly/2WJ6BWL and use the hashtag #OurPride to show your support.
The matchday 23 is: (*denotes potential debut)
- Angelica Uila
- Alicia Print
- Barbra Taumoli
- Jackie Patea-Fereti
- Sanita Levave
- Joanah Ngan-Woo
- Precious Auimatagi
- Dhys Faleafaga
- Milly Mackey
- Amanda Rasch
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga
- Monica Tagoai
- Fa’asua Makisi
- Lyric Faleafaga
- Georgia Daals
- Alexis Tauaneai*
- Isadora Leio-Laupola
- Lavinia Lea*
- Nina Foaese
- Xavier Tusa
- Ana Afuie
- Harmony Ioane
- Cheyne Copeland