Taranaki vs. Wellington: Match Preview, Date, Time, Venue, Squads and Live Stream
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| Taranaki vs. Wellington |
Taranaki, the defending champion of ITM Cup Premiership are going to start up their title retaining battle against local rivals Wellington at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth. This match is scheduled to kick off at 14:35 local (02:35 GMT), Saturday, August 15. The strong side of Taranaki are hoping to have an easy win over the poor Wellington as they have been hurting from their relegation from the championship in the 2014 season of ITM cup competition.
A very powerful lineup has been announced by the head coach of the Taranaki Bulls Colin Cooper. Moreover, they have been strengthened as James Broadhurst has joined in the squad. His partner will be Blade Thomson at the lock. James Marshall will lead the fullback position of the team. The amber and blacks are going to miss Jamison Gibson-Park for a long term season ending injury. They are expected to make debut of New Zealand under-20 team’s promising halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. Reuben O’Neill, Caleb Mawson, Latu Vaeno and David Ormrod are also expected to make their debut and impress all with their skills as well. On the other hand Cory Jane is back from the ankle injury which kept him away for the last three weeks. He is set to start off the game for the lions with their starting lineup against Taranaki. Jane will take his place on the right wing. Ardie Savea and Matt Proctor are also expected to return from their knee and ankle injuries as well. Hoani Matenga and Johny Bantley are also set to make their debuts for Wellington in lock and first five eighth positions respectively. Ben May, James Blackwell and Tomasi Alosio are also expected to play their first game of IMT Cup 2015 for the Lions on the next half of the game as they have been enlisted in the reserve list.
Wellington coach Earl Va’a that though the history is not on their favor, the Lions who are enlisted in the team will put some strong and brave performance against the Taranaki and start their campaign for the IMT Cup 2015 Championship. He said, “A stronger side of the experienced and the strength of the young and energetic guys have been mixed up. We are expecting to have a crack on the field and put some excellent performance.”
When: 14:35 local (02:35 GMT), Saturday, August 15
Where: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Where: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Referee: Steve Walsh (North Harbor)
Teams:
Wellington Lions: Jimmy Gopperth, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Roy Kinikinilau, Tamati Ellison, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Serge Lilo, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Neemia Tialata, Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger.
Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Tim Fairbrother, Ross Kennedy, Thomas Waldrom, Brendan Haami, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane.
Port Taranaki Bulls: Scott Ireland, Brendon Watt, Mathew Harvey, Lifeimi Mafi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Sam Young, Craig Fevre, Chris Masoe, Joe Lawn, John Willis, Jason Eaton, Scott Breman, Gordon Slater (captain), Andrew Hore, Tony Penn.
Reserves: Laurence Corlett, Hamish Mitchell, Brendon McGlashan, Sisa Koyamaibole, Andrew Suniula, Todd Feather, James King.
Wellington Lions: Jimmy Gopperth, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Roy Kinikinilau, Tamati Ellison, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Serge Lilo, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Neemia Tialata, Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger.
Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Tim Fairbrother, Ross Kennedy, Thomas Waldrom, Brendan Haami, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane.
Port Taranaki Bulls: Scott Ireland, Brendon Watt, Mathew Harvey, Lifeimi Mafi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Sam Young, Craig Fevre, Chris Masoe, Joe Lawn, John Willis, Jason Eaton, Scott Breman, Gordon Slater (captain), Andrew Hore, Tony Penn.
Reserves: Laurence Corlett, Hamish Mitchell, Brendon McGlashan, Sisa Koyamaibole, Andrew Suniula, Todd Feather, James King.
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