Stars sit out key match in south

All Black captain Anton Oliver gets an extra week's breather from Otago's run-on XV for tonight's crucial match at Carisbrook.

Otago coach Laurie Mains said Oliver was being given another week off from the starting lineup to help to get over a draining All Black campaign.

"He's come through a very tough Tri-Nations series, both physically and mentally, and I thought it would be advantageous to give him another week," Mains said.

"He will come back into the frame next weekend.

"With Taine Randell injured and Kelvin Middleton out, too, he will need to take over the captaincy again in another week."

Former New Zealand Colt Tom Willis will continue as Otago's hooker and captain in Oliver's absence.

And Oliver's front row test buddy Greg Somerville will be on the Canterbury bench tonight.

Somerville, the All Blacks' first choice tighthead prop this year, is overlooked in favour of David Hewett and Greg Feek.

"He's had a big programme and the other guys are going well," Hansen said.

"But he's not just there as a spare part. He will certainly play a part in the game.

"We're very happy with the way [Hewett and Feek] are going and we didn't want to make too many changes."

The major talking point in the Canterbury backline is the inclusion of Aaron Mauger at second five-eighths, outside test pivot Andrew Mehrtens.

Mauger, who will earn his Canterbury blazer for his 12th appearance, will link with elder brother Nathan in midfield, with Caleb Ralph moving to the left wing.

Canterbury used Aaron Mauger outside Mehrtens in the latter stages against North Harbour last week and he has played in the No 12 jersey at international level for New Zealand under-19 and Colts teams.

All Black Leon MacDonald is back at fullback, meaning goalkicker Ben Blair shifts to the right wing.

Otago have named All Black wing Jeff Wilson on the wing, but he is still troubled by a calf muscle strain suffered in Sydney a fortnight ago.

Mains said Wilson was "doubtful" and Ryan Nicholas was on standby to play.

He added that Otago had 10 players out injured, including five loose forwards.

- NZPA