Wellington bench their stars
Wellington have named three All Blacks on the bench as they test their depth in a pre-season clash with the Cantabrians on Friday.
Neemia Tialata, Conrad Smith and Cory Jane will all watch from the replacements bench as Wellington assess their options ahead of the National Provincial Championship against a Cantabrian team which includes All Black flyhalf Colin Slade.
The young players in the side will be desperate to make an impression and press for a place in the starting line-up once the NPC kicks off.
Wellington: 15 Apoua Stewart, 14 Jason Woodward, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Hayden Cripps, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Mark Reddish, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush (captain), 3 Whetu Henry, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reg Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Dean Brunsdon, 19 Christian Lloyd, 20 TJ Perenara, 21 Conrad Smith, 22 Cory Jane, 23 Arden David, 24 Steve Honey.
Date: Friday, July 8
Venue: Petone Rec, Wellington
Kick-off: 14.30 (02.30 GMT)
Referee: James McPhail
