Wilson's first for Otago since 98

Jeff Wilson will play his first game for Otago since the 1998 national championship final when he turns out against Canterbury at Carisbrook tomorrow night.

Wilson, a late withdrawal from the All Blacks for the test in Sydney a fortnight ago after suffering a calf muscle strain, was a surprise inclusion when the Otago side were named last night.

He had not been involved in team training earlier in the week, but had a fitness test yesterday morning and ran freely at practice last night.

Wilson made the last of his 56 appearances for Otago in their 49-20 NPC final victory over Waikato at Carisbrook three years ago. He did not play in 1999 because of the World Cup and took a break from rugby after last year's Super 12.

His return is a huge boost to an Otago side who have nine players not available because of injury.

"It's certainly a big plus for us," coach Laurie Mains said last night.

"Jeff's a class player, an experienced player and, with the shortage of wings we have at the moment, it's a bonus to have him back."

Wilson's inclusion in place of Ryan Nicholas is one of five changes from the side who lost their unbeaten record 14-11 to lowly Counties Manukau in Pukekohe last weekend.

The others are the inclusion of Pita Alatini, No 8 Justin Matheson, flanker Hale Tu'uhoko and prop Carl Hoeft in place of Seilala Mapusua, Paul Miller, Josh Blackie and Carl Hayman.

Matheson, 23, has been promoted from the Otago B side and will make his first-class debut in a young, reshuffled loose trio.

Tony Brown, who did not take any shots at goal after he came on as a replacement against Counties Manukau, will be the lead-off goalkicker tomorrow night.

- NZPA