Points crucial for Taranaki and Wellington

There's plenty to play for when Taranaki take on Wellington in tonight's match in New Plymouth.

Taranaki's hopes of making the playoffs rely on a win, so defeat would see them treading water just above the relegation zone.

Wellington would consolidate their top-four position with a win after a rollercoaster win-loss-win-loss-win record this season.

And there are also Hurricanes spots up for grabs for next year's Super 12.

While both camps play down any talk of a trial, Wellington always approach the game as such, and took delight in thumping Taranaki 46-17 in Wellington last year.

In recent years, Taranaki have beaten Wellington in the pre-season game then dropped the ones that count.

Their last NPC victory over their regional rivals was in 1989 when current coach Kieran Crowley kicked a penalty goal in the 11-9 win.

Wellington have All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo for the match.

Nonu is to start at centre, with newcomer Conrad Smith dropping to the bench after an impressive debut against Bay of Plenty last week. So'oialo's return could not have been more timely, with Kristian Ormsby sidelined with a knee problem.

Wellington are third with 15 points, four more than eighth-placed Taranaki.

Heavy rain is forecast for the match.

Taranaki: Mark Urwin James Kerr, Matt Harvey, Shayne Austin Bryce Robins, Sam Young Brendan Haami, Richard Bryant, Neil Crowley, Reece Robinson, Paul Tito (capt), Brent Thompson, Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Jason Hooper. Res, Daniel Smith, Tony Penn, Scott Breman, Johnny Willis, Mark Stewart, Johnny Stewart, Craig Fevre.

Wellington: Christian Cullen, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Sireli Bobo, Paul Steinmetz, David Holwell (capt), Jason Spice, Rodney So'oialo, Scott Waldrom, Ross Filipo, Ross Kennedy, Thomas Waldrom, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Mahoney, Kas Lealamanua. Res, Jason Macdonald, Neemia Tialata, Luke Andrews, Iva Motusaga, Piri Weepu, Riki Flutey, Conrad Smith.

Referee: Gary Wise. Kickoff: 7.35pm.

- NZPA

NPC points table