Former All Black makes shock return for NPC final

Former All Black hooker Hika Elliot has been named in the No. 16 jersey for Wellington in Saturday’s NPC final vs Bay of Plenty.

The 38-year-old has been called in after yet another injury befell another of Wellington’s hookers, this time Penieli Poasa.

Elliot, who had an eventful season representing South Canterbury in the recent Heartland Championship, joins a bench front row unit of Yota Kamimori and Bradley Crichton in the contest, who offer impact as replacements for the impressive Xavier Numia, Leni Apisai and Siale Lauaki.

Hugo Plummer and Akira Ieremia return in the second row while the lethal back row of Caleb Delany, captain Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brad Shields round out the forward pack for the 2022 champions.

Try-scoring machine Kyle Preston lines up at halfback, combining with Jackson Garden-Bachop in the halves. The pair will feed a class midfield duo of Riley Higgins and Peter Umaga-Jensen. An explosive back three of Losilosivale Filipo, Julian Savea and Tjay Clarke are sure to bring the finishing prowess to the final.

For the Steamers, Kurt Eklund is joined by Aidan Ross and Benet Kumeroa in the front row, with Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Aisake Vakasiuola rounding out the tight five. The back row features Jacob Norris, Joe Johnston and Nikora Broughton.

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will start at halfback, joined by Kaleb Trask in the 10 jersey. Two internationally capped players in Uilisi Halaholo and Emoni Narawa will run out in the midfield. Reon Paul, Leroy Carter and Cole Forbes provide the X-factor out wide.

Wellington

1. Xavier Numia
2. Leni Apisai
3. Siale Lauaki
4. Hugo Plummer
5. Akira Ieremia
6. Caleb Delany
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Brad Shields
9. Kyle Preston
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Losilosivale Filipo
12. Riley Higgins
13. Peter Umaga-Jensen
14. Julian Savea
15. Tjay Clarke

Substitutes

16. Hikawera Elliot
17. Yota Kamimori
18. Bradley Crichton
19. Filo Paulo
20. Sione Halalilo
21. Nui Muriwai
22. Callum Harkin
23. Stanley Solomon

Bay of Plenty

1. Aidan Ross
2. Kurt Eklund
3. Benet Kumeroa
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Aisake Vakasiuola
6. Jacob Norris
7. Joe Johnston
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Kaleb Trask
11. Reon Paul
12. Uilisi Halaholo
13. Emoni Narawa
14. Leroy Carter
15. Cole Forbes

Substitutes

16. Taine Kolose
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Filipe Vakasiuola
19. Kalin Felise
20. Semisi Paea
21. Lucas Cashmore
22. Fehi Fineanganofo
23. Codemeru Vai