Ngan-Woo Returns as Pride Host Counties
Wellington Pride Head Coach Fusi Feaunati has made six changes to his starting side that went down to Auckland last weekend, as the team prepare to take on Counties Manukau this Sunday.
Two key changes in the forward pack see the return of Black Ferns star Joanah Ngan-Woo, and Maddie Feaunati, who returns from a hand injury.
A reshuffle through the backline also, Tamara Ruaporo slots into first five, pushing Arene Landon-Lane to fullback in the absence of Sydnee Wilkins. Lyric Faleafaga moves onto the wing in place of Justine McGregor, and Drenna Falaniko comes into the midfield.
The Pride will be eager to put last weekend behind them and kick start their season with a win, ahead of their final home game next weekend.
“Last week was disappointing not to get a result, but we are back this week with another chance to improve again and we are looking forward to that” said Feaunati.
“Having Joanah back is a huge boost for our pack especially, as well as another leader to look to on the field.”
Oriental-Rongotai’s Sinead Ryder comes onto the bench, for her first appearance of the season.
The front row from last weekend remains unchanged, Valini Vaka starts at hooker, and Petone props Angelica Schwencke and Lavinia Lea back up for another start, Lea off the back of an impressive debut last weekend.
The return of Ngan-Woo bolsters the second row, she partners captain Jackie Patea-Fereti in the locking department.
Maddie Feaunati comes into the starting side on return from injury and will wear the #6 jersey, with Sophie Irving on the openside again, Nina Foaese retains her spot at the back of the scrum.
Fa’alua Tugaga gets the nod at halfback again, with Tamara Ruaporo slotting into firsr five as part of the reshuffle.
Monica Tagoai has a new midfield partner this week with club teammate Drenna Falaniko, earning her first start. Lyric Faleafaga moves out to the left wing, with Harmony Kautai on the right side, Arene Landon-Lane goes to the back.
On the bench Petrina Foaese, Octavia Nanai-Iafeta and Barbra Taumoli provide front row cover, with Ashlyn Pescini and Sinead Ryder across the second row.
Milly Mackey backs up Tugaga at halfback, Justine McGregor drops to the bench and Ivana Samani is in line for her season debut in the 23 jersey.
The Pride take on Counties Manukau, 2:05pm on Sunday at the Hutt Rec, entry is free and the match will be live on Sky Sport.
Wellington Pride 23 to take on Counties:
- Angelica Schwencke
- Valini Vaka
- Lavinia Lea
- Jackie Patea-Fereti – captain
- Joanah Ngan-Woo – vice captain
- Maddie Feaunati
- Sophie Irving
- Nina Foaese
- Fa’alua Tugaga
- Tamara Ruaporo
- Lyric Faleafaga
- Monica Tagoai – vice captain
- Drenna Falaniko
- Harmony Kautai
- Arene Landon-Lane
- Petrina Foaese
- Octavia Nanai-Iafeta
- Barbra Taumoli
- Ashlyn Pescini
- Sinead Ryder
- Milly Mackey
- Justine McGregor
- Ivana Samani