Rugby: Joseph sticks to his guns

Wellington coach Jamie Joseph has named an All Black free starting line-up for Saturday's match against Bay of Plenty. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington coach Jamie Joseph has refused to bow to pressure from on high, naming an All Black free starting line-up for Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup match against Bay of Plenty.

Despite talks with All Blacks management continuing until this morning, Joseph has opted not to use the services of Cory Jane and Neemia Tialata.

He has named All Black No 8 Rodney So'oialo on the bench, due to an injury crisis in the loose forwards, while halfback Piri Weepu was ruled out of any rugby this weekend after injuring his ankle at yesterday's training camp in Auckland.

Jane and Tialata will instead play for Wellington B against Horowhenua-Kapiti.

There is just one change to the starting 15 with Api Naikatini replacing the injured Jeremy Thrush at lock.

Joseph says the reaction to his decision to go against the wishes of All Black management has been interesting.

"I think people that understand team dynamics understand what it takes to build a team and that's always been my focus," Joseph said.

Wellington
Tamati Ellison, David Smith, Robert Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Hosea Gear, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alby Mathewson, Mathew Luamanu, Scott Fuglistaller, Victor Vito, Api Naikatini, Daniel Ramsay, John Schwalger, Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Mark Reddish, Rodney So'oialo, Ruki Tipuna, Fa'atonu Fili, Buxton Popoalii.

- NEWSTALK ZB