All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu has been named in the Wellington starting XV to play the British and Irish Lions. The dreadlocked back is the only one of the province's five All Blacks allowed to play against the Lions on Wednesday.
New Zealand captain Tana Umaga, centre Conrad Smith and loose forwards Rodney So'oialo and Jerry Collins were not available to coach John Plumtree.
Piri Weepu and Ross Filipo were named in the side after helping the NZ Maori to a 19-13 victory over the Lions.
Former All Blacks prop Joe McDonell will captain the side, which includes Samoan World Cup players Lome Fa'atau and Mahonri Schwalger and New Zealand Sevens player Roy Kinikinilau.
Wellington, currently coached by former Swansea boss John Plumtree, beat the 1966 Lions, but their last three meetings - in 1971, 1977 and 1983 - all went the Lions' way.
They can, though, call on several members of the side that helped the
Wellington Hurricanes reach this season's Super 12 semi-finals.
Wellington: Shannon Paku; Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Roy Kinikinilau, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu; Joe McDonnell (captain), Mahonri Schwalger, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Kristian Ormsby, Ben Herring, Thomas Waldrom.
Replacements: Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger, Kane Thompson, Justin Purdie, Riki Flutey, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane.
MMIX
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