Tim Bateman will start at first-five for Wellington in their opening ITM Cup rugby match against Manawatu in Palmerston North on Friday night.
Bateman spent all of this year's Super Rugby campaign in the No 12 jersey for the Hurricanes but will move in one spot in the backline to cover the absence of Lima Sopoaga who is unavailable with a serious shoulder injury.
There's a raft of debutants for Wellington with four named in the starting line-up, while three more could make their maiden appearance for the province from the bench.
Ardie Savea, younger brother of All Blacks wing Julian is one of those debutants and will play from the back of the scrum, while former All Black Ross Filipo has been named to start at lock.
Wellington coach Chris Boyd will decide on his outside back reserve closer to kick off.
Wellington: Jason Woodward, Alapati Leiua, Charlie Ngatai, Shaun Treeby, Tim Bateman, Frae Wilson, Ardie Savea, Scott Fuglistaller, Mark Reddish, Ross Filipo, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Arden David-Perrot, Whetu Henry, Lua Lokotui, Kayne Hammington, Genesis Mamea, TBC
