Wellington wins against Southland in 10th round of ITM Cup - Rugby News
Wellington has thumped Southland by 30-25 after a close contest in Westpac Stadium on August 18. Wellington bagged the victory after a nerve wracking clash as the match remained hung in the balance until the final whistle. Lima Sopoaga played a vital role
in his team’s victory as he scored 15 individual points for the Wellington Lions. Brad Shields was also brilliant with two valuable tries in the match. The loosing side also had a good run in the field but they could not carry the day despite scoring four
tries.
The match was quite open until the end of the first part of the game as Wellington was leading by a slight difference of 13-10. Southlanders have given a real tough time to the Wellington side and kept on replying to their opponents on most occasions.
The match started on a slow note as the sides failed to open the account until the mid of the first half. Lima Sopoaga was the man to get Wellington on their way with a penalty kick and put his side on the board with a 3-0 lead. Good work continued from
both sides as repeated attacks were seen until the final whistle.
Apoua Stewart scored one and Brad Shields scored two tries for Wellington along with an exceptionally well kicked point from Sopoaga.
On the other hand, Josh Bekhuis and Matt Saunders crossed the try lines one each time for Southland whereas Matt Saunders scored two tries for his team. Wellington will now face Waikato in their up coming clash of ITM Cup on August 23.
The sides played the match with the following rosters:
Wellington: 15 Apoua Stewart, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Dean Brunsdon, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Jeremy Thrush (c), 3 Neemia Tialata,
2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Joe Latta, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Frae Wilson, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Steve Honey, 23 Arden David-Perrot.
Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Matt Saunders, 11 Glen Horton, 10 James Wilson, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Tim Boys, 6 John Hardie, 5 Ben Nally, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Nic Barrett, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie
Mackintosh (c).
Replacements: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Michael Fatialofa, 19 Tom Chamberlin, 20 Sonny Rangitoheriri, 21 Marty McKenzie, 22 Tony Koonwaiyou, 23 Michael Peterson.
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