Pride Name Side to Take on Auckland in Home Opener
Wellington Pride Head Coach Fusi Feaunati has named his side to take on Auckland this Sunday, in the sides home opener in the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse.
Jackie Patea-Fereti captains the side for the 50th time, in her 75th match for the province.
“It’s always an honour to lead the team, to reach 50 matches as captain is quite surreal and another milestone in my career I am extremely proud of” said Patea-Fereti.
The side will look to bounce back from an opening round defeat in Canterbury, and get their season kickstarted.
Feaunati said he was pleased with how they started last week.
“Looking back, we were really happy with our first 25-30, and if we can keep at that level throughout the match and tidy up on some little errors we will be in a good space.”
Lavinia Lea earns her debut in the front row. The Petone prop will join club team mate Angelica Schwencke and hooker Valini Vaka in the front row.
Much of the same in the middle row, as Patea-Fereti captains alongside Ashlyn Pescini. Siaiga Filipo retains her spot in the #6 jersey after a strong debut last weekend, as does Pōneke’s Sophie Irving on the openside. Northern United number 8 Nina Foaese returns from injury for her first appearance of the season at the back of the scrum.
Fa’alua Tugaga and Arene Landon-Lane are partnered again in the 9 and 10 jerseys respectively. The Marist St Pats pairing of Lyric Faleafaga and vice captain Monica Tagoai will again look to do damage through the centre of the field.
Youth on the wings with Justine McGregor and Harmony Kautai, Sydnee Wilkins retains her spot at fullback.
On the bench, Petrina Foaese, Chloe Te Moananui and Kelly Laumalili-Tuiatua provide cover in the front row, Laumalili-Tuiatua earning her first appearance of the season.
Hosanna Aumua drops to the bench for Foaese to start, Jaydah Timu rounds out the forwards replacements.
No changes to the backs reserves this week either, as Milly Mackey, Tamara Ruaporo and Drenna Falaniko all back up after last week.
The Pride take on Auckland this Sunday, 2:05pm at the Hutt Rec. Entry is free, the match will also be live on Sky Sport.
Wellington Pride team to take on Auckland:
- Angelica Schwencke
- Valini Vaka
- Lavinia Lea*
- Ashlyn Pescini
- Jackie Patea-Fereti - captain
- Siaiga Filipo
- Sophie Irving
- Nina Foaese
- Fa’alua Tugaga
- Arene Landon-Lane
- Justine McGregor
- Lyric Faleafaga
- Monica Tagoai – vice captain
- Harmony Kautai
- Sydnee Wilkins
- Petrina Foaese
- Chloe Te Moananui
- Kelly Laumalili-Tuiatua
- Hosanna Aumua
- Jaydah Timu
- Milly Mackey
- Tamara Ruaporo
- Drenna Falaniko