Cullen expected to start
August 17, 2001

All Black fullback Christian Cullen is expected to start for Wellington in Friday night's NPC match against Taranaki at New Plymouth.

Despite not being named in the Wellington squad announced on Wednesday, Cullen is expected to start ahead of fullback Shannon Paku, The Dominion newspaper said.

Cullen, 26, hasn't played since the Hurricanes final Super 12 match on May 11. He had a knee operation, which has kept him out of all rugby although he has trained with the All Blacks squad.

His return on Friday night could see him return to the All Blacks Test squad for their last Tri-Nations match against Australia in Sydney on September 1. - Sapa-NZPA

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