Wellington v Otago Double Header 2025

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ROUND THREE Momentum on the Line as Lions Eye Back-to-Back Wins The Wellington Lions are gearing up for Round Three at Porirua Park, where they’ll host southern rivals Otago in what promises to be a high-energy Bunnings NPC clash.

Fresh off a hard-fought 35–24 win over Waikato; the Lions are aiming to build momentum and improve their record to two wins and one loss.

Wellington Lions skipper Brad Shields, who sustained a head injury in the first half of the opening match against Canterbury, has made a swift recovery and returns to start at No. 8.

Lions fans will be hoping Akira Ieremia can replicate his blockbusting performance at lock, following his momentum-shifting try against Waikato that earned him Man of the Match.

Akira Ieremia

After debuting against Waikato, Esi Komaisavai will make his second appearance for the Lions and his first start, with Nui Muriwai sidelined through injury and Kyle Preston away on All Black duty in Argentina.

Tom Maiava will make his first starting appearance for the season on the right wing.

The last time these two sides met, the Lions secured a thrilling 32–28 win in a midweek “Storm Week” clash in Dunedin. Both teams will be eager for their second win of the season and a move into the top half of the ladder.

DR STUART CURRAN How did you first get into refereeing?

I broke my ankle playing in my last year of high school, so when I got to University I took up refereeing to stay involved in the game. It was a good move – it turns out I’m a much better referee than I ever was going to be as a player!

What’s the most memorable match you’ve officiated and why?

The Ranfurly Shield challenge between Hawke’s Bay and Ngati Porou East Coast back in 2021 NPC pre-season. It was one of my first Ranfurly Shield games and it was such a big occasion. The number of vocal fans showing their support for their teams – it highlighted for me how rugby in New Zealand can pull people together. It was a real privilege to be a part of.

Have you played rugby yourself before becoming a referee?

I played through primary and secondary school before my injury forced me out of the contact side of things.

Lions v Otago - Referee How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big game?

Just like players, we do mental and physical training leading into games.

Whether that be completing scenario-based activities, video clip reviews, visualisation activities and field and running preparation – our week leading into a game is pretty jam-packed.

What’s one thing players or fans might not realise about refereeing?

The amount of review work we do – oftentimes we are the hardest critics of ourselves. Every game that we referee we complete an in-depth review of each area of the game, re-watching the game through from multiple angles and seeing how we could improve and grow.

What’s the toughest decision you’ve ever had to make on the field?

That’s a hard one… Every game we are needing to make decisions in the moment, often as split-second decisions. With quick pictures and great skill level from players – it can be really difficult. Some of those breakdown or tackle decisions can be really difficult in that setting.

What’s the most common misconception people have about referees?

We are all just regular people (often with jobs outside of rugby) who got involved with rugby for the enjoyment of it. We all want to be able to contribute and be involved for the betterment of the sport and the game. We do it because we love it.

How do you deal with pressure from players, coaches, and the crowd?

On field you tend to just get in a zone, much like a player does, and that is our performance area. I have often come off a game and had someone say a comment about how the crowd reacted to a certain decision. I would not have had any idea about what was happening outside of what occurred on the field and the decision as I am in that performance zone and everything else is just external to it.

If you could give players one piece of advice for making a ref’s job easier, what would it be?

Giving us simple, clear pictures makes our job much easier and more likely that we will be able to effectively and accurately make a decision.

FUN Q’s • If you could choose any song to run out to, what would it be? Viva La Vida – Coldplay • What’s your favourite stadium to referee in and why? Eden Park in Auckland. I grew up watching the All Blacks play other international teams in that stadium and it always fills me with a bit of awe when I can run out onto that field and be involved in a game. It is a privilege really to be able to referee on all of these grounds around the country that I have seen many rugby stars play on.

• Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? I always have my set warm up for a game and process I go through prior to running on.

Nothing really too special though.

ESI KOMAISAVAI

Club: Paremata-Plimmerton Weight: 85 Height: 173cm DOB: 10/05/1998 Which player did you look up to growing up and why? Surprisingly I was a midfield growing up, but I stopped growing haha, but it was Brian O’Driscoll, he was very agile and very light on his feet. He was a world class centre that had the whole package. He is also my favourite rugby player.

What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? Making my debut for the Wellington Lions What goals have you set for yourself this season? To give my best at everything, put my head down and work hard and also learn as much as I can when I can and have fun while doing it.

Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? Bay Of Plenty, got couple of close family and friends up those ways. So be good to rub shoulders against them when the time comes.

Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you? Born in Fiji, but I’ve spent most of my life living and growing up in Porirua. Porirua is my home away from home and made a lot of friends over the years of growing up here.

How would your teammates describe you off the field? Laid back, very very chill guy.

FUN Q’s • Go-to hype song? T-Pain - Dan Bilzerian • Favourite local café or takeaway? Sandbar @ Paremata • Dream holiday destination? Don’t really have one • Hidden talent? Being able to play a few instruments

MEMORABLE MATCHES Wellington vs Otago Close an Era at Athletic Park The final chapter of Wellington rugby’s fantastic association with Athletic Park comes to a close this afternoon, with the Wellington Lions meeting old foes Otago in a crucial final round encounter of the 1999 NPC. As well as the last scheduled match ever to be played at this rugby Mecca, today’s game will also decide the fate of these two sides this year, with both currently lying just outside the top four. Friday night’s match between North Harbour and Canterbury at Albany Stadium would have certainly made the playoff calculations a lot simpler, with the winner guaranteed a semi final, and the loser on far more unstable ground.

A win to the Lions this afternoon will see Graham Mourie’s men march into the NPC first division semi finals for the first time since the competition changed format to a playoff system in 1992.

With the contest between Wellington and the playoffs is reigning NPC champions Otago, who are also in a must win situation to save their season and have some chance of repeating the heroics of 1998.

Last year Otago made short work of the Lions, posting a record 82-10 thumping at the House of Pain, with new All Black Tony Brown scoring 30 points in the demolition.

Otago was untroubled in handing Wellington the huge defeat, leading 34-3 at halftime and scoring 12 tries in total.

Things had been a lot closer the previous year, with Otago holding on for a 32-27 win at Athletic Park in a match many remember for the electric performance of All Black fullback Jeff Wilson for Otago.

Although Otago has won the last five encounters against Wellington in the NPC, the Lions still hold a sizeable advantage between the two in matches played at NPC level.

The two sides first met back in the inaugural year of the competition in 1976, with Wellington running out a comprehensive 29-7 victory over Otago at Athletic Park.

Otago struggled to foot it with the Lions in the early days, with the Wellington victory in 1976 beginning a winning sequence that would see the capital side post eight consecutive victories over Otago until the 1984 season, when the southerners scored a 20-15 win at Carisbrook.

After the blemish in 1984, the Lions got back to their winning ways, posting wins in the next five games between the two sides, until Otago’s impressive 29-6 victory at Carisbrook in 1990.

A highlight of the game was the sparkling winger effort from Otago winger John Timu, who helped the home side secure victory with his dazzling skills on attack.

Throughout Wellington’s run of victories over Otago in the 1980’s, there had been none better than the 30-6 win the Lions posted in the midweek effort at Carisbrook in 1986, en route to an undefeated season and Wellington’s third NPC Division one title. Wellington’s strong pack dominated the Otago eight, with Fraser Nees, Mark Hudson and Murray Pierce all crossing for tries in the victory.

Otago won the following three games until 1993, when the two sides drew 20all in a classic encounter in bitterly cold conditions at Athletic Park. Wellington had led 20-13 advantage with only a few minutes remaining before Otago ran the Lions off their feet.

A sustained counterattack had the Lions backpedalling, with the move finished when Otago winger Paul Cooke over in the corner.

With the game resting on Jeff Wilson’s conversion attempt from the corner, Marty Berry took off early, thinking Wilson had begun his run in, and kicked the ball off the sand mound in the confusion of the moment.

Referee Jim Taylor awarded Wilson another attempt, with ‘Goldie’ striking the ball into the teeth of the howling gale and dropping it between the posts to draw the match.

The 1993 match was the first even encounter at NPC level between the two sides, and the last time that Otago didn’t beat Wellington in an NPC match, with the southerners winning the last five games between the two in succession.

Wellington Lions versus Otago in NPC 1976–98 Total Games: 23 Wellington victories: 13 Otago victories: 9 Drawn matches: 1 Total Wellington points: 460 Total Otago points: 456

SHUTTLE BUSES: Complimentary shuttle buses will run from Porirua train station to Porirua Park commencing at 1:00pm, 1:20pm and 1:40pm.

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ROUND TWO Pride Set Sights on Spirit Showdown The Codec Wellington Pride will be aiming to extend their winning form in Round Two of the Farah Palmer Cup when they face the Otago Spirit at Porirua Park this weekend.

Playing as part of a double-header with the Wellington Lions, the Pride will be looking to avenge last season’s semifinal defeat to the same side at Porirua Park.

The Pride showcased their championship credentials last weekend, demonstrating superior fitness and attacking depth in a commanding 39–7 victory over Tasman Mako at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Litia Bulicakau

Keira Su’a Smith, who made a big impact in that win, will be one to watch.

The elusive fullback was in electric form and will be eager to slice through the Otago defensive line.

Pōneke’s Jessica Jackson will start on the bench with the potential to make her debut, a stark contrast to the nine players who debuted against the Mako last weekend.

Experienced campaigner Jackie Patea-Fereti will provide leadership from number 8, while newly named captain Litia Bulicakau takes charge from centre.

MATTHEW MCEWEN How did you first get into refereeing?

I first got into refereeing when I was 15. I was playing for Freyberg High school and broke my collarbone in the first game of the season. My team manager, Terry O’Brien, had been saying for two years that I’d make a great referee. I was out of action for the season, so picked up the whistle and haven’t looked back since.

What’s the most memorable match you’ve officiated and why?

The most memorable match I have officiated was a Super Rugby Development game earlier this year between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs. It was full of first class players and the quality of the game was amazing. Running touch for Glen Jackson with Paul Williams for the Wellington v BOP semifinal a few years ago was another highlight.

Have you played rugby yourself before becoming a referee?

I played halfback before becoming a referee, and balanced playing and refereeing for a season after joining the MRRA.

Pride v Otago - Referee How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big game?

I tend to keep my routine the same. We often say it’s best to not change anything - on and off the field. I like to arrive to the ground an hour before kickoff or 90mins if refereeing a first class game. I always warm up well, and during the week will complete a mix of running, rowing and strength exercises, and chat with my coaches, John Lockyer and Will Fish who I work really closely with.

What’s one thing players or fans might not realise about refereeing?

One thing that players and/or fans might not realise about refereeing is that there are massive pros but also cons at times, and the cons can impact your family hard. I would love an environment where my wife, Hannah, and son, Louis, were comfortable attending every game and not just the games that I deem are most special.

What’s the toughest decision you’ve ever had to make on the field?

It was at an under 14 tournament many years ago that my cousin, Brendan, was playing in. The final game was Tauranga Boys v Rotorua Boys, and they were both unbeaten. Right at the end, TBC were down by a point and I awarded them a penalty, which the kicker kicked straight over the side post. Our MRRA official on that post kept his flag down, and the TBC reserve player put his flag up. I disallowed the kick much to the disappointment of my cousin.

What’s the most common misconception people have about referees?

The most common misconception that people have about referees is that they can be biased. I’ve never met a referee who has worked so hard to get to where they are that would be willing to sacrifice their journey and all of their credibility in order to make a result go a particular way.

How do you deal with pressure from players, coaches, and the crowd?

When you reach higher levels of officiating, you are generally very good at managing pressure from players, coaches and the crowd, and you tend to back yourself and your ability. I often smile things off. If we make a mistake, we are the first to start reflecting on that. The most important thing is that we can park that until after the game has finished.

If you could give players one piece of advice for making a ref’s job easier, what would it be?

I would simply say to get down to your local park on a Saturday and referee an Under 14 or 15 game. Players who do this quickly learn the importance of positioning and decision-making, and it helps with their law knowledge, too!

They would gain a better appreciation of what our match officials do.

FUN Q’s • If you could choose any song to run out to, what would it be? DIE for you by Cassie Henderson. The song is upbeat and reminds me of the hard work and sacrifices I’ve had to make to get here. Cassie is also a NZ star!

• What’s your favourite stadium to referee in and why? The cake tin because I grew up watching a lot of games played there, so being on the ground was quite surreal. As a diehard Warriors and LFC fan, I would love to referee at GO Media Stadium and Anfield should it ever host a rugby game!

• Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions? To take my Samoyed, Kenai, for a walk and have a 6 inch sub for lunch. Being type 1 diabetic I have to carefully manage my blood sugar levels, so I am always mindful of keeping my routine the same to be in the best shape for refereeing.

KEIRA SU’A-SMITH

Club: Petone Height: 165cm DOB: 4/09/2005

Which player did you look up to growing up and why? Beauden Barrett - I just thought he was the man and exciting to watch, and as a kid from Wellys, him playing for the hurricanes was the coolest thing ever.

What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far? Representing my country in South Africa and doing the national anthem for the first time.

What goals have you set for yourself this season? Just to have fun and enjoy playing footy.

Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to? Otago (especially after last year’s semi final iykyk) Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you?

Wainuiomata! It means a lot, home is home.

How would your teammates describe you off the field? Funny.

FUN Q’s • Go-to hype song? Atomic Kitten • Favourite local café or takeaway? Chicken n chips from Konini Street Dairy • Dream holiday destination? Greece • Hidden talent? I know the whole Hamilton Musical soundtrack by heart.

BAYLEE MEROITI

Club: Northern United Height: 172cm DOB: 16/06/2007 Which player did you look up to growing up and why?

Aaron Smith was a player who I looked up to while growing up because he was the best half back in the world.

What’s been your proudest rugby moment so far?

Playing for the Wellington Women’s 7s team and beating Manawatu in the finals of the Central 7s tournament. Manawatu had won this tournament for 9 years in a row, and making the Wellington Pride 2025.

What goals have you set for yourself this season?

My goal for this season was to make the final squad for the Wellington Pride.

Is there a game or opponent you’re especially looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to all the games.

Where did you grow up, and what does your hometown mean to you?

I grew up in Takapūwāhia Pā in Porirua.

Having grown up in the Pa and still living there, I feel connected to my Iwi Ngāti Toarangatira and I am surrounded by all of my Whānau. The Pā to me feels like a place of strong belonging.

FUN Q’s • Go-to hype song? I don’t have a particular Go-to hype song but my favourite singer is Chris Brown.

• Favourite local café or takeaway? My favourite takeaway is One Sushi, chicken katsu on rice.

• Dream holiday destination? Anywhere in Europe • Hidden talent? Don’t have one

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES: • An invite to the Captains Run Event.

• Score autographs, photos, and chat with all your favourite players. Autograph Book included.

• Opportunity to be in the Guard of Honour.

• Birthday shout-outs from Leo on Sky Stadium’s big screen or by email • 3x exclusive eDMs with fun facts, player Q&As, activities and video drills from the Lions.

• Lions Club Certificate: Receive a personalised certificate signed by your favourite player, celebrating your membership.

• Official Lions Team Photo (digital) Purchase yours today for just $20 here

Collect them all – grab your FREE Wellington Lions and Wellington Pride Player Trading Cards at the game, while stocks last!

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