Nickname: Lions
2020 finish: Sixth in Premiership
Coach: Leo Crowley
Captain: Du’plessis Kirifi
GAINS: Fraser Armstrong (back from injury), Dominic Bird (France), Pek Cowan (Australia), Richard Judd (Japan)
LOSSES: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty), Teariki Ben-nicholas (Japan), Vaea Fifita (England), Jackson Garden-bachop (injury), Morgan Poi (injury), Josiah Tavita-metcalfe (Australia), Kaliopasi Uluilakepa (Northland)
GO-TO PLAYER: Du’plessis Kirifi The talismanic captain missed Wellington’s last four matches in 2020, and it’s perhaps no coincidence the Lions lost heavily to both the Championship and Premiership winners in his absence.
He was among the top 10 tacklers in both versions of Super Rugby and is widely respected in the capital for his hustle and leadership. Wellington is simply a different team without him.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Ruben Love The Achilles tendon injury suffered by Jackson Garden-bachop (74 matches, 604 points) provides Ruben Love the chance to continue the growth he showed at first five for the Hurricanes. Though he’s never appeared in the 10 jersey in five appearances for the Wellington Lions, Love suggested he has the necessary courage, maturity and talent to drive an NPC backline. He should only get better with experience.
OUR PREDICTION: Seventh in Premiership Wellington’s pack has a fiercer look to it, with experience added and Fraser Armstrong and Xavier Numia recovered from injury. The loose forward trio is raw and exciting, but the big question will be continuity and direction at No 10. If either Aidan Morgan or Ruben Love can start strongly and cement a place early then the Lions have the potential to be a semifinal team. Perhaps.