12 Debutants Named as Wellington Lions Prepare for First Ranfurly Shield Defence of 2023
Wellington Lions Head Coach Tamati Ellison has named his side to defend the Ranfurly Shield for the first time this year against Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s side, the first with Ellison in charge, features a mix of youth and experience, with the added inclusion of players from the championship-winning 2022 side a welcome sight.
“We’re fortunate enough to have the services of players like Asafo Aumua, Aidan Morgan and more,” said Ellison.
Wainuiomata’s Peter Umaga-Jensen will captain the side, with Dominic Bird named vice-captain.
The Shield defence will also present the opportunity for up to 12 players to make their Wellington Lions debut, much to the delight of Ellison.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players rewarded with a debut this week. All have been consistent performers in Wellington’s club competition and thoroughly deserve the opportunity given to them.”
In the front row, Aumua is joined by PJ Sheck, fresh off a Super Rugby campaign with the Highlanders, and Johnsonville’s Ha’amea Ahio.
Dominic Bird and Hugo Plummer have both seen the field for the Hurricanes this season, and will bring valuable experience in the locking department, with debutant Dominic Ropeti on the blindside, his Oriental-Rongotai teammate Sione Halalilo on the openside, and Keelan Whitman in the boot of the scrum.
Former Manawatu halfback Logan Henry is set for a debut for his home province, and will partner Aidan Morgan, who will look to claim the number 10 jersey as his own for the season.
Power in the midfield as captain Peter Umaga-Jensen pairs with debutant Ethan Webster-Nonu. The back three of Isi Saumaki, Joe Faleafaga and TJ Clarke at fullback will all look to take their club rugby form into this match as the trio earn a first class debut.
On the bench, Joyner Gaualofa will provide backup for Aumua, Josiah Tavita-Metcalfe returns to the Lions set up, as does Fijian Drua prop Kaliopasi Uluilakepa.
Potential debutants throughout the remainder of the reserves bench, Anthony Pettett and Akira Ieremia round out the forwards, Kyle Preston is joined by the Paremata-Plimmerton duo Sam Clarke and Louis Northcott to round out the 23.
The match will be the first Ranfurly Shield match played at Levin Domain in 30 years, with matchday sponsor Mills Albert Recruit playing a big part in the match coming together, who have strong connections to both Wellington and Horowhenua-Kapiti.
Wellington Rugby CEO Shannon Paku had nothing but praise for the contribution from their major sponsor.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we have from David (Millsy), Lisa and Paul, not only in supporting us to deliver this match in Levin, but for their continued support of Wellington Rugby.”
Mills Albert is located in Paraparaumu, so when we confirmed a shield challenge against Horowhenua-Kapiti, they eagerly agreed to support both of our unions. We are very excited to play at the Levin Domain and bring this first-class match to their community."
The match kicks off at 2:05pm on Wednesday at Levin Domain, and will be live on Sky Sport.
You can purchase tickets for the match, as well as your 2023 Wellington Lions membership at wellingtonlions.flicket.co.nz
Wellington Lions Squad v Horowhenua-Kapiti:
1. Ha'amea Ahio (Johnsonville)
2. Asafo Aumua (Avalon)
3. PJ Sheck (Tawa)
4. Hugo Plummer (Tawa)
5. Dominic Bird (Upper Hutt Rams) vice-captain
6. Dominic Ropeti* (Oriental-Rongotai)
7. Sione Halalilo (Oriental-Rongotai)
8. Keelan Whitman (Marist St Pats)
9. Logan Henry* (Petone)
10. Aidan Morgan (Marist St Pats)
11. Isi Saumaki* (Tawa)
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wainuiomata) captain
13. Ethan Webster-Nonu* (Paremata-Plimmerton)
14. Joe Faleafaga* (Paremata-Plimmerton)
15. TJ Clarke* (Petone)
16. Joyner Gaualofa* (Tawa)
17. Kaliopasi Uluilakepa (Petone)
18. Josiah Tevita-Metcalfe (Northern United)
19. Anthony Pettett* (Johnsonville)
20. Akira Ieremia* (Tawa)
21. Kyle Preston* (Old Boys University)
22. Sam Clarke* (Paremata-Plimmerton)
23. Louis Northcott* (Paremata-Plimmerton)
* denotes debut