Wellington boosts the midfield

Tana Umaga and Rodney So'oialo are back in the Wellington Lions lineup to take on Otago in Friday night's Air New Zealand Cup match at Carisbrook.

Assistant coach Chris Boyd is hoping the return of Umaga will stiffen up the midfield defence that had an off night against Waikato last week as he has a great understanding of defensive roles and he anticipates really well.

Boyd is looking for So'oialo to help remedy the 20 turnovers that cost them dearly in last week's big loss in Hamilton.

He says to come back for a third campaign in a calendar year is a big ask for them and at the business end of the season they rely on them to bring their 'A' game.

Ma'a Nonu has been shifted to the right wing in place of Lome Fa'atau to make way for Umaga at second five, Shannon Paku is back at fullback for Tamati Ellison, who has a broken thumb, Jerry Collins has shifted to six with Luke Andrews moving into lock with Ross Filipo.

Friday's match will decide a home quarter final decider.

- NEWSTALK ZB