KEY POINTS:
Wellington expect to be without All Blacks lock Ross Filipo for the remainder of the Air NZ Cup rugby season.
Filipo injured a shoulder while playing for the All Blacks in this year's Tri-Nations.
Scans have now indicated he is likely to require surgery.
Wellington coach Aussie McLean said if surgery went ahead it was unlikely Filipo would play again this season.
In another enforced selection, McLean will be without prop John Schwalger for the Cup match against Counties-Manukau in Auckland on Friday night.
Schwalger has a sore foot and is being rested as a precaution, leaving the loosehead spot to be filled by Jacob Ellison.
Luke Mahoney has been replaced at hooker by Tone Kopelani, and Shannon Paku returns to the wing in place of Robert Fruean, who has an ankle injury.
Ma'a Nonu has been named at centre pending the results of neurological test after he was knocked out against Canterbury on August 18.
McLean has also named 18-year-old first five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick among his reserves.
Wellington
Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison (captain), Shannon Paku, Jimmy Gopperth, Alby Mathewson, Thomas Waldrom, Serge Lilo, Api Naikatini, Bernie Upton, Jeremy Thrush, Anthony Perenise, Tone Kopelani, Jacob Ellison.
Reserves: Luke Mahoney, Hoani Tui, Failfili Levave, Alex Tulou, Nigel Hunt, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Tane Tu'ipulotu.
- NZPA
