Eight Debutants Named as Pride Head South for Opening Round Clash
The Wellington Pride are down in Christchurch for Round 1 of the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse, and Head Coach Fusi Feaunati has named his 23, including eight debutants.
Impressive in the pre-season matches, five Marist St Pats players, Ashlyn Pescini, Fa’alua Tugaga, Petrina Foaese, Octavia Nanai-Iafeta and Drenna Falaniko earn their first cap, alongside Avalon’s Siaiga Filipo, Pōneke’s Sophie Irving, and Petone’s Harmony Kautai.
Jackie Patea-Fereti will captain the side from the second row, with Monica Tagoai named vice-captain.
Head Coach Feaunati is pleased with the pre-season, and excited for the opportunity those on debut have.
“We’re really happy with how the team have prepared since we assembled. Off the back of two pre-season hit outs we feel that as a team we are in a good space heading into the opening round.
We have eight girls on debut, four of those in the starting XV. All of these players have earnt their spot off the back of strong club seasons and impressed in our pre-season fixtures.”
Valini Vaka starts at hooker and is supported in the front row by the Petone duo of Chloe Te Moananui and Angelica Schwencke. Debutant Ashlyn Pescini will partner captain Jackie Patea-Fereti in the locking department.
Also on debut, Avalon’s Siaiga Filipo is on the blindside with club teammate Hosanna Aumua packing down at the back. Pōneke’s Sophie Irving debuts on the openside.
In the backs, Manu Sina and Melbourne Rebels halfback Fa’alua Tugaga earns a debut, Arene Landon-Lane slots in at first five-eighth. A formidable midfield will see the powerful of Lyric Faleafaga partner Monica Tagoai.
Justine McGregor and Ivana Samani are on each of the wings, with Sydnee Wilkins rounding out the starting side.
Four debutants on the bench, and a four forwards, four backs split. Petrina Foaese and Marist St Pats teammate Octavia Nanai-Iafeta are in line for their first taste of provincial rugby, Barbra Taumoli is the third front rower on the bench. Jaydah Timu provides cover in the loose forward department.
The Petone duo of Harmony Kautai and Milly Mackey will be joined by Marist St Pats team mates Tamara Ruaporo and Drenna Falaniko to round out the bench. Kautai and Falaniko are in line for their Pride debut also.
The first assignment of the season is defending champions Canterbury, with the JJ Stewart Trophy on the line as well.
Feaunati is aware of the danger Canterbury pose, but backs the team he has put on the park to get the job done.
“We know what to expect in heading down to Christchurch, and this is a great chance to kick off our campaign the way we want to.
“The 23 players we are putting out there, we believe are the right ones to get the job done.”
The Wellington Pride take on Canterbury in Round 1 of the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse, at 12:05pm on Saturday, July 15th. The match will be live on Sky Sport.
Wellington Pride side to take on Canterbury:
- Angelica Schwencke
- Valini Vaka
- Chloe Te Moananui
- Ashlyn Pescini*
- Jackie Patea-Fereti (Captain)
- Siaiga Filipo*
- Sophie Irving*
- Hosanna Aumua
- Fa’alua Tugaga*
- Arene Landon-Lane
- Justine McGregor
- Lyric Faleafaga
- Monica Tagoai (Vice-Captain)
- Ivana Samani
- Sydnee Wilkins
Reserves:
- Petrina Foaese*
- Octavia Nanai-Iafeta*
- Barbra Taumoli
- Jaydah Timu
- Harmony Kautai*
- Milly Mackey
- Tamara Ruaporo
- Drenna Falaniko*