Wellington v Counties Manukau, ITM Cup
Lions at full strength for Steelers
October 17, 2013
Wellington's Frae Wilson is hugged by Motu Matu'u after scoring a try during round four of the ITM Cup, Wellington v Canterbury, ITM Cup, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, July 27, 2011
Frae Wilson is a key inclusion for the Lions © Getty Images
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Wellington Lions have named key players Matt Proctor and Frae Wilson to return from injury against Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup Premiership semi-final at Westpac Stadium on Friday.

Wilson returns from a serious ankle injury sustained in September, while Proctor is fit again and named at fullback. Shaun Treeby, rested from the team that lost to Hawke's Bay in the final home-and-away match, returns to partner Tim Bateman in the midfield, while All Blacks Sevens representative Ambrose Curtis, who impressed on the Gold Coast in winning the opening HSBC Sevens World Series tournament, will provide impact from the bench.

Wellington hooker Motu Matu'u says the players are expecting a much stronger challenge from the Ranfurly Shield holders than was offered in their opening round 55-16 win over the Steelers.

Wellington Lions: Matt Proctor; Joe Hill, Tim Bateman, Shaun Treeby, Alapati Leiua; Lima Sopoaga, Frae Wilson; Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields; Api Naikatini, Mark Reddish; Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, John Schwalger. Replacements: Reggie Goodes, Eric Sione, Kaipati Gaualofa, Faifili Levave, Adam Hill, Tomasi Palu, Ambrose Curtis.

© AAP

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