Rugby: All Blacks trio to start for Wellington

All Black Ma'a Nonu has been named at centre for Wellington. Photo / Getty Images

Wellington will start three of their All Blacks in defence of rugby's Ranfurly Shield against Canterbury on Saturday.

Coach Jamie Joseph has relaxed his stance about using available All Blacks during the Air NZ Cup to include Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo in his starting 15.

Fellow All Blacks Piri Weepu and Conrad Smith missed selection due to injury.

Fresh from the 16-15 shield win over Auckland last weekend, Wellington today named a team featuring four changes.

All Black Cory Jane has come in for Buxton Popoalii at fullback, international Ma'a Nonu is at centre in place of Robert Fruean, Rodney So'oialo replaces No 8 Victor Vito, who shifts to the blindside flank ahead of Mark Reddish.

Utility back Tamati Ellison was ruled out after suffering a calf injury at training yesterday, with teenager Charlie Ngatai preferred in his absence to start at second five-eighth.

Wellington
Cory Jane, David Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Charlie Ngatai, Hosea Gear, Fa'atonu Fili, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo, Serge Lilo, Victor Vito, Daniel Ramsay, Jeremy Thrush, John Schwalger, Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison (captain).

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Anthony Perenise, Mark Reddish, Api Naikatini, Ruki Tipuna, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Robert Fruean.

- NZPA