Air NZ Cup preview: Biggest test could be staying awake

Wellington vs Tasman
Westpac Stadium, 4.35pm

The lowdown: If there was such a thing as a boredom meter, it would likely be tripping off the scale when Wellington run on to the field today. The Lions have so far been to exciting rugby what date rape drugs are to male-female relationships. In other words, the injured party wakes up the next day, has difficulty remembering what happened but has a strong feeling that liberties have been taken.

Watch out for: Mass outbreaks of sleeping sickness. Ma'a Nonu - he's set to explode some time soon. Conrad Smith - working his way back to form. Tasman fullback Robbie Malneek - a free spirit and one of the best backs from the smaller unions. Jimmy Gopperth back at first-five - Tamati Ellison is a talented back but second-five seems his best position.

What we think: Tasman might fancy this a bit. Other than being stomped by Auckland and stomping on Manawatu, every match has been a close, bonus-point loss for the new guys. They might go close again but Wellington surely have to stir soon and should be too strong.

Form:
Wellington - W, W, bye, L, W, W;
Tasman - L, L, W, bye, L, L.

Wellington - Shannon Paku, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Jimmy Gopperth, Alby Mathewson, Thomas Waldrom, Serge Lilo, Luke Andrews, Jeremy Thrush, Ross Filipo, John Schwalger, Luke Mahoney, Joe McDonnell (c). Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Kuramate Tuirirangi, Victor Vito, Ben Herring, Jason Spice, Tana Umaga, Tamati Ellison.

Tasman - Robbie Malneek, Lucky Mulipola, Peter Playford, Joel Iggo, Iliesa Durrant, Tim Taylor, James King, Cory Holdaway, Zane Winslade, Alex Ainley, George Naoupu, Chris Bentley, Ben May, Ti'i Paulo (c), Greg Feek. Reserves: Mark Stewart, Sam Johnstone, Kahu Marfell, Mark Bright, Tim Lempriere, Saul Luamanuvae, Andrew Goodman.