There are some surprise selections in the Wellington team to challenge Auckland for the Ranfurly Shield in round eight of rugby's provincial championship on Saturday night.
The All Black Piri Weepu will lead the Lions from half-back with young Daniel Kirkpatrick back at first-five after a long injury break.
Weepu had been tipped to play out of position again at 10 outside Alby Matthewson.
Other changes see Victor Vito to start at number eight with Thomas Waldrom on the bench.
And the All Black prop Neemia Tialata returns to the front row from Tri Nations duty.