Shields: Lions starting on road to redemption
BRAD Shields wants to put things right: It is not arrogance but Wellington playing in the national provincial second-tier has not sat right with the Lions captain over the past year.
So in New Plymouthtoday, Shields will urge his players to start the season the way they intend to finish it and put a stake in the ground at Yarrow Stadium against the premiership’s reigning champions.
‘‘It’s a huge [season] and this game in particular is important because it’s the start of our comeback,’’ Shields said.
‘‘The boys know our goal is to try and win the championship.
‘‘It’s going to be tough, so what better way to start than playing the top team.’’
Wellington’s first-up opponents will provide a true gauge of where they are at after a confidence boosting pre-season win over Tasman. On paper, Wellington have a side capable of beating anyone – with nine Super Rugby players in the starting team and another two on the bench in the form of props John Schwalger and Ben May.
That depth in the front row may be a key weapon this season with most squads thinning out quickly when it comes to experienced props.
However, Taranaki boast an equally deep squad with nine current Super Rugby players of their own in the starting team, including a tight five that features James Broadhurst and Blade Thomson in the second row.
Both sides have plenty of firepower in the backs where the midfield battle between Charlie Ngatai and Sean Wainui and Wellington’s Shaun Treeby and Matt Proctor could be crucial in the middle of the park.
Wellington’s strength appears to be in the front row and loose forwards where Shields, vicecaptain Ardie Savea and athletic blindside Vaea Fifita provide a mix of pace and physicality.
Taranaki may not have the same X factor in their loose trio of Iopu Iopu-Aso, Berny Hall and Mitchell Crosswell.
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