Southland make two changes for Wellington

Southland have made two changes to their team to play Wellington in the NPC first division rugby match in Wellington on Saturday.

Hooker Jason Rutledge will have to make his 50th appearance for the province off the bench after being rotated with David Hall.

Hall had the starting role during the opening rounds of the NPC, with Rutledge preferred over the past fortnight including the win over Taranaki in New Plymouth last weekend.

The only other change comes in the reserves where wing Mana Harrison has been included on the bench after some good tryscoring form for the development team.

Harrison replaces midfielder Faolua Muliaina who made it onto Yarrow Stadium in the final minutes on Sunday to record his 15th and blazer game for the province after making his debut six years ago.

Flanker Tim Boys has recovered sufficiently from a hip problem suffered against Taranaki to be included in the starting 15.

Southland team:

James Wilson, Ben Smith, Pehi Te Whare, Jason Kawau, Watisoni Lotawa, Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Tim Boys, Daniel Quate, Hoani Macdonald, Kane Thompson, Jayden Murch, David Hall, Clarke Dermody (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Craig Dunlea, Rees Logan, Jeff Wright, Adam Clarke, Mana Harrison, Matt Petre.

- NZPA