Pride Team Named to Take on Bay of Plenty For Triple-Header Saturday
Wellington Pride head coach Zak Feaunati has rolled in the changes for his side’s clash against the Bay of Plenty Volcanix at Porirua Park on Saturday.
The forward pack remains largely untouched, with Sanita Levave coming into the middle row to partner captain Jackie Patea-Fereti in the absence of Joanah Ngan-Woo, who is on Black Ferns duty.
The other change in the pack sees the return of Nina Foaese at number eight, pushing the powerful Hosanna Aumua to the bench to provide a big impact.
Halfback Ana Afuie has a new partner outside her, with Thamsyn Newton slotting into the #10 jersey for the first time this season.
Feaunati says the team has no doubts in Newton’s ability to lead the team around the paddock. “Thamsyn has played her fair share of first-five at club level, and we know she has what it takes to step in and control the game.”
Teilah Fergusson moves back into the centre position after a run on the wing last weekend, partnering Monica Tagoai who also moves in one spot to 12.
Harmony Ioane finds herself jumping from the left to the right wing, to make room for impressive youngster Justine McGregor on the left, while Julie Tusa will patrol from the back after a debut off the bench last week. Ayesha Leti-I’iga joins Ngan-Woo on Black Ferns duty in Christchurch.
On the bench, both Georgia Daals and Milly Mackey return from injuries and suit up for their first game of the season.
“We have great depth in this squad, to not only show the trust we have in those players but to also get some key players back at a crucial point of the season is huge for us this weekend,” said Feaunati.
“We are disappointed with last week’s performance, and know we need to improve, our senior leaders are determined to step up. We're looking forward to this opportunity to get out and engage with the community and be a part of a big triple-header day!”
The Pride take on Bay of Plenty at Porirua Park this Saturday, kick off 11:35am. The match will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport.
Wellington Pride Squad v Bay of Plenty Volcanix:
STARTING XV
Angel Mulu
Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
Raylene Lolo
Jackie Patea-Fereti ©
Sanita Levave
Maddie Feaunati
Sinead Ryder
Nina Foaese
Ana Afuie
Thamsyn Newton
Justine McGregor
Monica Tagoai
Teilah Fergusson
Harmony Ioane
Julie Tusa
IMPACT
Alicia Print
Angelica Uila
Oneata Schwalger
Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate
Hosanna Aumua
Milly Mackey
Bernadette Robertson
Georgia Daals