15 Oct 2008

Smith only Wellington All Black not in starting lineup

7:05 pm on 15 October 2008

All but one of Wellington's current All Blacks have been named in the starting lineup for Friday night's Air New Zealand against Southland in Wellington.

Neemia Tialata returns from a knee injury to start at prop, number eight Rodney So'oialo is back but will play at openside flanker which means Thomas Waldrom retains the number eight jersey, while Piri Weepu will again captain the side from first five.

Ma'a Nonu will play on the right wing after an indifferent performance in the midfield in the quarter final win over Taranaki.

Centre Conrad Smith is in the reserves having just got over a groin injury.