Tana on the Wellington bench

Tana Umaga

The glut of talent in the Wellington rugby midfield has seen skipper Tana Umaga relegated to the bench for Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup clash with Waikato in Hamilton.

Coach John Plumtree has named the in-form and impressive Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu to resume their midfield partnership and push their claims for a place on the end of year All Black tour.

Plumtree says having to rest a player like Umaga is not a major issue, and he is more than happy to give all their players starting opportunities.

It also gives him a chance to sort through his best options for the quarter finals.

Jerry Collins has been named at number eight , with fellow returning All Blacks Neemia Tialata at tighthead prop and Piri Weepu at halfback.

Rodney So'oialo will return to action next week .

- NEWSTALK ZB