Joanah Ngan-Woo brings up 50 games against Hawke’s Bay
Joanah Ngan-Woo will captain her 50th cap for Wellington Pride, when they go head-to-head with Hawke’s Bay this weekend.
The 24-year-old lock has packed a lot into her career in a short amount of time – especially when you consider she only started playing rugby in her first year at St Catherine’s College. However, after immediately falling in love with the game, Ngan-Woo debuted for the Pride in 2013.
She never looked back.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege and I am super grateful to the role models I’ve had before me in Jackie Patea-Fereti and Sanita Levave as well as the support of my family.”
The Pride will be hoping to continue their winning form from last weekend, which saw the side topple Tasman Mako 62 – 0.
But, head coach, Ross Bond says there is still plenty to work on
“We have been continuing to add some layers and depth to our game plans. Accuracy at the breakdown has also been a key focus for us.”
There have been three major changes to the starting line-up, with Isadora Laupola, Charlene Gubb and Marcelle Parkes being promoted from the bench.
Bond has also included two debutants, Josephine Falesita and Evelyn Tea in the squad and is eager to see how they fare.
“Evelyn has been on our radar for some time just waiting for an opportunity, but her commitment, learning and work ethic is exceptional. Josephine is new to Wellington but comes with international experience. She has fitted in well and has the ability to be an FPC player for a lengthy time.”
Wellington Pride’s clash with Hawke’s Bay will kick-off from 12:30pm at the Hutt Recreation Grounds. Under Alert Level 2 restrictions, there can be no spectators.
The Pride squad to face Hawke’s Bay on Saturday is:
1 Raylene Lolo
2 Precious Auimatagi
3 Isadora Laupola
4 Joanah Ngan-Woo
5 Charlene Gubb
6 Nina Foaese
7 Marcelle Parkes
8 Dhys Faleafaga
9 Acacia Claridge-Te Iwimate
10 Montana Heslop
11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12 Fa’asua Makisi
13 Monica Tagoai
14 Lyric Faleafaga
15 Thamsyn Newton
RESERVES:
Reserves - Alicia Print, Barbra Taumoli, Sinead Toala-Ryder, Evelyn Tea, Ana-Maria Afuie, Vaine Marsters, Josephine Falesita
NB: Joanah Ngan-Woo will take over as Wellington Pride captain for the remainder of 2020, with Jackie Patea-Fereti ruled out due to a shoulder injury.