Wes Goosen set for 50th match as Wellington name power-packed backline for Auckland derby including All Blacks hopeful

Wes Goosen will return from injury to play his 50th game for the Lions in this Sunday’s clash with Auckland at Eden Park.

The 24-year-old has been a fixture of the squad since making his debut against Waikato in 2014. Since then, he’s gone on to accumulate 24 tries (120 points) for his province.

Head coach, Leo Crowley says he’s excited to see the winger in action.

“Wes has played a lot of games for the Lions so to be running out for his 50th is special for him. No doubt he will be seeking opportunities to express himself.”

The Breakdown | Episode 34 | NZR CEO Mark Robinson guests following round 1 of the Mitre 10 Cup

The Breakdown | Episode 34 | NZR CEO Mark Robinson guests following round 1 of the Mitre 10 Cup

The Lions will be looking to bounce back from a rough start to the season, which saw them go down to Waikato 52 – 28 in round one.

It didn't take Julian Savea long to stamp his mark on proceedings upon his return for Wellington in their #Mitre10Cup opener against Waikato.https://t.co/nDvs2fVx7s

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 12, 2020

Whilst not an ideal start to the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup campaign, Crowley says the team’s been working hard at training.

“While obviously disappointed with last week’s performance, the team has had another week together to fine-tune a lot of our play. No doubt Auckland have as well, so we’re definitely expecting a big battle on Sunday.”

Goosen’s inclusion in the starting XV means there has been a re-jig of the midfield. North Island representative Peter Umaga-Jensen, who will be eyeing up one of the extra seats on the plane for the All Blacks‘ trip to Australia later this year, takes over the number 13 jersey, whilst Billy Proctor moves to fullback.

“It was always our intention to get as many of our players into the 23 early in our campaign – hence there being a few positional changes this week. Next week is a 5-day turnaround so we will adjust to that when the time comes as well,” Crowley says.

Caleb Delany and Ben Aumua-Peseta are also set to debut this weekend, being brought onto the bench.

Both players have been through Wellington’s academy system and Crowley says they’ve earned their spot in the squad.

“Caleb has grown through the Lions Academy programme over the last few years and while this will be his debut match, but I’m sure there will be plenty more to follow. Ben has also come through the academy and local club scene and his game has progressed nicely over the last twelve months.”

The Lions beat Auckland 34 – 15 when they came across each other in September last year.

Wellington: Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Vince Aso, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), Vaea Fifita, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, James Blackwell, Alex Fidow, Asafo Aumua, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Morgan Poi, Ben Aumua-Peseta, Caleb Delany, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Connor Collins, Trent Renata, Pepesana Patafilo.

– with Wellington Rugby