Young halfback Piri Weepu will make his debut for Wellington against Southland at Westpac Stadium today.
Weepu is one of four changes from the side that lost to Taranaki in a pre-season match last weekend, with Jonah Lomu's absence and the return of All Black No 8 Rodney So'oialo being theother features.
So'oialo and fellow All Black Ma'a Nonu have not trained with the Wellington side this week but All Black coach John Mitchell has released them for the game.
Weepu has a big reputation and gets his chance with minor knee injuries holding back regular halfback Jason Spice and the versatile Riki Flutey, who have both been named on the bench.
Spice's problem has been longstanding but he appears on the mend. Flutey played at halfback against Taranaki but has suffered some soreness.
Lome Fa'atau replaces Lomu on the left wing, and So'oialo's return pushes Thomas Waldrom to blindside flanker at the expense of Hemi Pou.
Kristian Ormsby replaces Kane Thompson at lock.
Teams:
Wellington: Christian Cullen, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Paul Steinmetz, Sireli Bobo, David Holwell (capt), Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Kupu Vanisi, Thomas Waldrom, Ross Kennedy, Kristian Ormsby, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Mahoney, Tony Coughlan. Res: Jason MacDonald, Neemia Tialata, Ross Filipo, Scott Waldrom, Jason Spice, Riki Flutey, Jimmy Gopperth.
Southland: James Jowsey, Mana Harrison, Gavin Williams, Seremaia Bai, Hayden Martine, Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Jeff Wright, Hale T-Pole, Steve Jackson (capt), Daniel Quate, Brett Roberts, Jason Rutledge, Clarke Dermody. Res: David Hall, Apanu Tuau, Hoani McDonald, Pita Wilson, Jason Harrison, James Wilson, Graydon Staniforth.
