Adam Thomson to start for Otago

All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson has confirmed his fitness to boost the Otago team for Friday night's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington in the capital.

Thomson broke a hand in the All Blacks' opening test of the season against France in Dunedin and has been sidelined since then.

But he has done enough in training this week to convince Otago coach Steve Martin that he is ready for a return to action.

Thomson was named at blindside flanker in a solid Otago team that will head north believing they have a chance against Wellington, especially with the challenge coming in the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup where they hope to catch the Lions on the hop.

Former All Blacks prop Kees Meeuws has earned a place on the Otago bench.

Wellington has named All Blacks Hosea Gear and John Schwalger in their starting XV.

WELLINGTON: 15 Buxton Popoali'i, 14 David Smith, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Mathew Luamanu, 7 Scott Fulistaller, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jeremy Thrush, 4 Api Naikatini, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Jacob Ellison (c). Reserves: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Daniel Ramsay, 19 Masefau Leuluniu, 20 Ruki Tipuna, 21 Fa'atonu Fili, 22 Alapati Leiua.

OTAGO: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Karne Hesketh, 13 Brett Mather, 12 Andrew Parata, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Sean Romans, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Sam Hibbard, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Ben Nolan. Reserves: 16 Peter Mirrieless, 17 Kees Meeuws, 18 Hoani Matenga, 19 Paul Grant, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Glenn Dickson, 22 Luke Herden.