Wellington Lions ITM Cup thread/squad announcements

[chewed_mintie]

Thought I'd start a thread to keep those 1000's of Lions supporters amongst us up to date for the upcoming installment of the ITM Cup

First up....quite glad about this one too - Ross Filipo has joined from Wasps, coming back to where it all started. Good signing and will give a young forward pack a bit of experience. Should form a daunting 2nd row combo with Jeremy Thrush who was impressive in the 2nd half of the Super XV

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18997215

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/7349729/Lock-Ross-Filipo-boost-for-Lions-cup-hopes/

Sadly though, highly touted backrowers Brad Shields and Failili Levave will miss the ITM Cup. Shields is injured (against Chiefs) and surprisingly Levave is off to Japan for a season. The latter makes me scratch my head as he's just confirmed for next season with the Hurricanes? According to the article, it appears to be something that will become more commonplace.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/7320272/Faifili-Levave-to-miss-ITM-Cup-for-Japan-stint

Just what we need, not only will ABs miss the ITM Cup but the next layer will bugger off to Japan to earn some yen before coming back to NZ for the SXV....

Squad should be announced after the Jubilee Cup finishes.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

mintie, thought Shields looked impressive in the SXV games that I saw - he will be a loss

[chewed_mintie]

Without wanting to 'pump him' re Murray Mexted on Marty Leslie, he's got a bright future ahead of him. Possibly the next Kieran Read maybe.

Massive loss added with Levave going, we'll have a pretty raw backrow. Nothing like blooding for the future's future hey!

[chewed_mintie]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/7366381/Lions-shape-as-formidable-blend-of-youth-experience

Squad has now been named, looks pretty promising. Forgot about Fuglistaller coming back from the Highlanders who will bring experience to the backrow. Only trouble spots are 9 & 10. Frae Wilson will take TJ Perenara's spot as he is out injured but we have no recognised 10 now. Looks like Tim Bateman might get a shot there....surely one of Tyler Bleyendaal or Tom Taylor at Canterbury doesn't want to just sit on the bench week in week out? come north my son, it's the promised land

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