Unwanted All Black back Hosea Gear has been included in the Wellington lineup for their must-win ITM Cup match against North Harbour in Albany on Friday night.
Gear, who wasn't wanted for the World Cup, will start on the left wing for Wellington in a match Wellington will have to win to make sure they avoid relegation from the Premiership.
A Wellington loss and a win for bottom-placed Southland over Bay of Plenty on Sunday will result in the southerners remaining in the top division.
The match will also be the last for Wellington prop Neemia Tialata before he heads to France.