Otago gets boost for 2nd match

Jack Wilson.
Jack Wilson.
Otago welcomes back some Super rugby players for its clash against Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.

Matt Faddes slots back into centre, Tom Franklin comes in the second row and flanker James Lentjes gets a start as Otago gets ready for what is bound to be a rugged encounter.

Winger Jack Wilson also gets his first start of the season, along with props Aki Seiuli and Hisa Sasagi.

With Faddes coming into the side, Michael Collins, who played at centre last Sunday against Southland in the side's Mitre 10 Cup opener, moves to fullback. Tony Ensor drops out of the team.

Otago coach Cory Brown said Collins had earned his chance at the back as he had played well there previously.

Collins is just back from a season in Wales where he played fullback for the Llanelli Scarlets and reportedly performed well.

Winger Fa'asiu Fuatai is having a rest with Brown mindful of the side having to play four games in 15 days in the opening to the season.

Fuatai performed well for Otago on Sunday against Southland but, with a limited amount of rugby under his belt in the past couple of seasons, it was wiser for the winger to have a break.

Josh Walden will get his first start for Otago at halfback and will play inside Fletcher Smith. The duo take over from Jonathan Ruru and Scott Eade, who both sit on the bench.

Blindside flanker Naulia Dawai makes his first appearance for the season, having missed the pre-season games with a nagging ankle injury.

He got through 80 minutes for Otago B on Saturday and will be seeking to continue on from last year when he made an impact for the blue and golds.

Franklin locks the scrum with Blair Tweed who missed last Sunday's game because of a sore back.

Sam Anderson-Heather replaces captain Liam Coltman, who has joined the All Blacks.

No8 Paul Grant will captain Otago side. He has plenty of experience with the leadership role, having skippered Otago to Ranfurly Shield glory in 2013.

Wellington is sweating over a couple of players with injury niggles and will name its team this morning.

The match will be for the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy, which is held by Otago.

Otago scored two converted tries in the last three minutes of the game last year to win 37-36 in Wellington.

In a rematch in the Championship semifinals, Wellington won 34-14.

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