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Five All Blacks and an Italian international named in Wellington Lions Mitre 10 squad
Wellington Lions head coach Chris Gibbes sees plenty of potential in the 2019 squad which has been bolstered by a number of All Black’s and an Italian international ahead of the start of the Mitre 10 Cup next month.
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Gibbes named a 35-man squad at today’s season launch while also naming Matt Proctor and Du’Plessis Kirifi as co-captains.
The two captains would compliment each other well in terms of their skill sets, Gibbes said.
“There are also other key individuals in this team who will help lead the squad and assist the captains in their roles.”
Hurricanes utility back Vince Aso has transferred from Auckland and is one of six new additions in the backs along with former Canterbury halfback Connor Collins.
Up front, Italy lock Josh Furno and Queensland Reds prop Sef Fa’agase will provide some valuable experience.
“The key thing for us is we have recruited into spaces we clearly needed,” Gibbes said.
“I think the guys who have come in provide not only excitement but an ability to do their job really well.
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They bring a different type of energy to the group and that’s adding to our culture and that’s exciting.”
All Blacks TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Dane Coles, Vaea Fifita and Asafo Aumua have been included in the squad but will potentially play limited roles.
There is plenty of Super Rugby experience with the likes of Aso, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Billy Proctor, Thomas and Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Du’Plessis Kirifi, James Blackwell, Alex Fidow, Xavier Numia and James O’Reilly expected to play prominent roles throughout the season.
“I think the experience we have in key positions with our Super Rugby guys alongside the young guys we have coming through provides us with good diversity and that’s important in our squad,” Gibbes added.
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A key part of what the Lions are about was the way they expressed themselves on the field and Gibbes was excited about the style of rugby the squad hoped to adapt.
“On both sides of the ball we want to express our skills and play an entertaining brand of rugby. Where we need to get better is understanding the game more and we’ve put a lot of work into that.
“Achieving a semi-final spot last year was good achievement but this group want to continue their progress and move forward from there. We have put a lot of work in the off-season and we are excited to now get the chance to apply that on the field.”
Looking at the sides the Lions will meet this season, starting with Tasman away on August 10, Gibbes stressed there would be no easy opposition.
“I think everyone has taken a step up and squads have got stronger. I think there is definitely going to be an improvement in the quality of play in this campaign.”
The Wellington Lions 2019 Mitre 10 Cup squad is:
Outside backs: Vince Aso (Paremata Plimmerton) Losi Filipo (Petone), Connor Garden-Bachop (Northern United), Wes Goosen (Old Boys Univesity), Ben Lam (Tawa)
Midfield backs: Pepesana Patafilo (Tawa), Billy Proctor (Marist St Pat’s), Matt Proctor (Oriental Rongotai), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Wainuiomata), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wainuiomata)
Five-eighths: Jackson Garden-Bachop (Northern United), Callum Harkin (Old Boys University), Trent Renata (Oriental Rongotai)
Halfbacks: Kemara Hauti-Parapara (Tawa), Jono Hickey (Western Suburbs), TJ Perenara (Northern United), Connor Collins (Hutt Old Boys Marist)
Loose forwards: Teariki Ben-Nicholas (Old Boys University), Vaea Fifita (Wellington), Mateaki Kafatolu (Petone), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Northern United), Ardie Savea (Oriental Rongotai), Galu Taufale (Poneke)
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Marist St Pat’s), James Blackwell (Petone), Josh Furno (Western Suburbs)
Props: Alex Fidow (Oriental Rongotai), Xavier Numia (Oriental Rongotai), Kaliopasi Uluilakepa (Petone), Morgan Poi (Old Boys University), Sef Fa’agase (Johnsonville)
Hookers: Asafo Aumua (Avalon), Dane Coles (Poneke), James O’Reilly (Hutt Old Boys Marist), Sitiveni Paongo (Tawa).
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments