Rugby: Jane left out of Wellington side

All Black Cory Jane has been left out of the Wellington team for Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup match against Hawke's Bay in Napier.

Jane was expected to be among a handful of All Blacks returning to play for their provinces this weekend, to get vital game time.

Coach Jamie Joseph says he is focusing on building combinations within his own team. He says his job is to win rugby matches and retain the Ranfurly Shield, which will be hard to do if he keeps making changes to his side.

Tamati Ellison returns from All Black duty and slots in at fullback for Wellington.

There are four changes in total from the side which beat Otago last weekend, with Daniel Kirkpatrick retained at first-five despite an indifferent display.

TEAMS:

HAWKES BAY:

Faka'anaua Taumalolo, Ash Dixon, Clint Newland, Matt Egan, Ross Kennedy, George Naoupu, Karl Lowe, Thomas Waldrom, Chris Eaton, Matt Berquist, Zac Guildford, Sam Giddens, Jason Shoemark (captain), Jason Kupa, Israel Dagg.

Reserves:

Hikawera Elliot, Josh Keys, Bryn Evans, Michael Johnson, Dane Shelford, Andrew Horrell, Richard Buckman.

WELLINGTON:

Jacob Ellison (captain), Ged Robinson, John Schwalger, Daniel Ramsey, Jeremy Thrush, Victor Vito, Scott Fuglistaller, Matthew Luamanu, Alby Mathewson, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Robbie Fruean, David Smith, Tamati Ellison.

Reserves:

Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Api Naikatini, Faifili Levave, Ruki Tipuna, Fa'atonu Fili, Buxton Popoali'i.

- NEWSTALK ZB