1 Jul 2009

Inexperienced Wellington side to defend Ranfurly Shield

7:29 am on 1 July 2009

The Wellington rugby coach Jamie Joseph has named just one Super 14 player in his starting line-up to defend the Ranfurly Shield against Wairarapa Bush in Masterton on Thursday.

Winger David Smith is the only top name in a side made up of club players.

However Joseph has named Ged Robinson, Anthony Perenise, Api Naikatini and Daniel Kirkpatrick on the reserves bench.

This is just the second defence of the Shield for Wellington.