NPC: Cullen will travel but not play
August 16, 2001

New Zealand full back Christian Cullen will travel with the Wellington NPC team to New Plymouth this weekend but is unlikely to play.

He has not been named in the 22-man squad despite nearing a return and the reigning champions saying they will see how he gets through training this week before making a final decision.

After last weekend's shock defeat to newly promoted Bay of Plenty this week's team includes loose forward Kupu Vanisi to bring a steady hand on the tiller at the back of the scrum.

He will not see out the full 80 minutes following a rushed return from injury but Rodney So'oialo will be available on the bench for when he is replaced.

Coach David Rennie has kept former North Harbour front rower Tony Coughlan, who impressed last week, at loosehead prop Colin Cooper, his counterpart at Taranaki saying he plans to put pressure on the Wellington front five.

Wellington Team: Shannon Paku, Lome Fa'atau, Jason O'Halloran, Brad Fleming, Paul Steinmetz, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Jerry Collins, Kupu Vanisi, Milton Ngamou, Inoke Afeaki, Filo Tiatia, Tony Coughlan, Norm Hewitt (captain), Tim Fairbrother. Reserves: Shane Carter, Sam Johnstone, Andrew Gallagher, Rodney So'oialo, Riki Flutey, Junior Fatialofa, Apoua Stewart.

Taranaki Team: Daryl Lilley, Dominic Byrne, Faapulou Soolefai, Chris Woods, Mepi Faoagali, Mark Urwin, Brendan Haami, Campbell Feather, Brent Thompson, Andy Slater (captain), Keith Robinson, Paul Tito, Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Tony Penn.
Reserves: Daniel Smith, Jason Hooper, Chris Masoe, Scott Breman, Denning Tyrell, Bryce Robins, Shayne Austin.

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