ITM Cup: Wellington Lions v Manawatu
Saturday 10 October 2015
Review
Manawatu took victory 39-33 with a win over Wellington at Westpac Stadium.
The Turbos led 39-19 with 13 minutes left, leaving the Lions to contemplate a semifinal against Otago in Dunedin next Saturday. But tries to To'omaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes and Cory Jane got things to 39-33 with five minutes remaining.
Wellington had opportunities to secure all five points, culminating in the To'omaga-Allen effort that was sent upstairs.
"I knew it was a 60-40 chance I wasn't going to be awarded the try,' To'omaga-Allen said. "But for me, I scored, I got it on the line, and then there was just hands underneath after that. I got it on the line, I'm 100 per cent confident I got that try but I'm not going to fight it, what's done is done."
That's partly because Wellington still ended up with what they were after – a home semifinal.
Winning the match with a bonus point would have made them the championship's top qualifier, easing past Hawke's Bay as the team in pole position for a home final.
But the two bonus points the Lions secured at least ensured they'll host Otago.
Event Information
It’s all about redemption for the 2015 Wellington Lions as they look to take hold of their Championship status and earn the right to return to the top-flight Premiership in 2016.
Plus it's KIDS EAT FREE DAY! That's right two adults and up to eight kids for just $30 (plus booking fees) and the kids all eat free. Every kids' ticket can be redeemed for a voucher to get a hot dog or chips plus a chocolate bar or apple plus a soft drink or water!
As well as that, what a game it's going to be, last year’s Championship winners, the Turbos will provide the Lions with a chance to really stake their claim for the top tier. The rivalry between these two provinces has been building for some time now, and it’s sure to peak when they take the field, while the lads will also be wearing a special Breast Cancer charity strip designed by Ardie Savea.
All <link internal link in current>Stadium members have valid entry to this event.
MATCH DAY TIMINGS
2.00pm - Car park opens
2.30pm - Ticketek box office opens
2.55pm - Gates open
3.10pm - Kick off: Wellington Development v Canterbury Colts (U21)
4.35pm - Estimated end of match
5:35pm - Kick off: Lions v Manawatu
7:10pm - Estimated end of match
The Stadium car park is open for this event at a cost of $15 (please note there is a fee for paying by credit card or eftpos of .60c).
