Jeff Wilson will play his first game for Otago since the 1998 national championship final when he turns out against Canterbury at Carisbrook tomorrow night.
Wilson, a late withdrawal from the All Blacks for the test in Sydney a fortnight ago after suffering a calf muscle strain, was a surprise inclusion
when the Otago side were named last night.
He had not been involved in team training earlier in the week, but had a fitness test yesterday morning and ran freely at practice last night.
Wilson made the last of his 56 appearances for Otago in their 49-20 NPC final victory over Waikato at Carisbrook three years ago. He did not play in 1999 because of the World Cup and took a break from rugby after last year's Super 12.
His return is a huge boost to an Otago side who have nine players not available because of injury.
"It's certainly a big plus for us," coach Laurie Mains said last night.
"Jeff's a class player, an experienced player and, with the shortage of wings we have at the moment, it's a bonus to have him back."
Wilson's inclusion in place of Ryan Nicholas is one of five changes from the side who lost their unbeaten record 14-11 to lowly Counties Manukau in Pukekohe last weekend.
The others are the inclusion of Pita Alatini, No 8 Justin Matheson, flanker Hale Tu'uhoko and prop Carl Hoeft in place of Seilala Mapusua, Paul Miller, Josh Blackie and Carl Hayman.
Matheson, 23, has been promoted from the Otago B side and will make his first-class debut in a young, reshuffled loose trio.
Tony Brown, who did not take any shots at goal after he came on as a replacement against Counties Manukau, will be the lead-off goalkicker tomorrow night.
- NZPA
2001 NPC schedules/scoreboard
NPC Division One squads
