Wellington a tough team to select, says coach

The Wellington inside back combination of David Holwell and Paul Steinmetz that shredded Bay of Plenty last Sunday will start in tomorrow's crucial NPC match against Auckland.

Wellington coach Dave Rennie confirmed the pair would start ahead of Riki Flutey and Pita Alatini.

He said the team had been the toughest to pick all season.

All Black wing Jonah Lomu has been left on the bench again, with Lome Fa'atau starting on the left wing and Brad Fleming on the right. The only changes to the side who destroyed Bay of Plenty are in the pack where Ross Kennedy returns for Milton Ngauamo at lock and Kas Lealamanua replaces John Pale at loosehead prop.

Rennie said the form of everyone in the squad had been so good in the past few weeks that he and forwards coach Ellis Meachen had struggled to decide on the starting XV.

"There were a lot of tough decisions and we will know on Friday night if they are the right ones."

Holwell gets his second start mainly because Carlos Spencer will be wearing the Auckland No 10 jersey, not the fullback's.

The mercurial former All Blacks first five-eighth is the key to Auckland's attack with his speed, strength, vision and willingness to have a go. He is also able to play a territorial game with his long touch finders and tactical nous.

Holwell is a superb tackler, good organiser and has the tactical kicking game to match Spencer.

Flutey, with his electric speed, will come off the bench in the second half, along with Lomu and Alatini, and Rennie expects big things from all three.

"We've got 10 quality backs and I expect them all to make a contribution. The guys off the bench have to make an impact."

- NZPA