Christian Lio-Willie returns to the Otago side for their NPC match away to Wellington this weekend

Lio-Willie, after missing All Blacks selection for the Rugby Championship after two tests against France, was rested last week against Hawke's Bay.

New Zealand under-20s halfback Dylan Pledger has been given his first NPC start for Otago.

Elsewhere, wing Caleb Tangitau has been named on Auckland's bench for their Saturday afternoon home game against Taranaki, having been out of rugby since the start of April when he suffered a groin injury playing for the Highlanders.

Captain David Havili moves to fullback for Tasman's visit to Northland, with Leicester Fainga'anuku starting at centre after returning to New Zealand rugby last week off the wing.

NPC COVERAGE WITH ENZED SAFETY BLACKWOODS. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS