KEY POINTS:
An injury to midfielder and captain Tamati Ellison could lead to the selection of at least two All Blacks in the Wellington squad for Saturday's provincial rugby final against Auckland.
Wellington had said none of their World Cup players would be considered for the final, preferring to remain loyal to those who had toiled through the season, but softened that stance when Ellison was ruled out with an injured eye-socket.
All Blacks centre Conrad Smith and No 8 Rodney So'oialo trained with the squad and it appeared that both would be in the playing squad to be announced today.
Auckland coach Pat Lam looks set to bring back hooker Keven Mealamu and utility back Isaia Toeava from the World Cup side into their squad.
Wellington forwards coach Jamie Joseph said it was common sense to utilise the All Blacks' present situation.
Joseph said there was no room for prop Neemia Tialata with four fit props available, but the injury to second five-eighths Ellison meant calling up Smith was a "no-brainer", while the recent injury to openside flanker Serge Lilo left the squad short in the loose forwards.
Ellison received the injury in the semifinal win against Canterbury, leaving the team without a midfielder and captain.
Smith said he hadn't expected to be called up so soon and had not made himself available to the team on arrival home last week.
"I was more than happy to help out and it's exciting. It takes the mind off the depressing thoughts of what's been going on."
- NZPA
