Bruising Wellington hooker Motu Matu'u will get his first start of this year's ITM Cup campaign when Wellington host Southland in the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Regular rake Dane Coles has been shifted to the bench for the game that will be Wellington's third in 10 days after victories over Manawatu and Hawkes Bay.
Genesis Mamea will start at No 8, while Ardie Savea and Mark Reddish have returned to the starting XV. New additions to the bench this weekend include Serge Lilo, Joe Latta and Ope Peleseuma.
If Peleseuma takes the field it will be his debut for the Wellington Lions.
Wellington: Jason Woodward, Alaptai Leiua, Charlie Ngatai, Shaun Treeby, Matt Proctor, Tim Bateman, Frae Wilson, Genesis Mamea, Ardie Savea, Lua Lokotui, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Matu Matu'u, Arden David-Perrot. Reserves: Dane Coles, Solomona Sakalia, Whetu Henry, Serge Lilo, Kayne Hammington, Joe Latta, Ope Peleseuma.
