Wellington scrum-half Piri Weepu will captain New Zealand for the first time against Munster at Thomond Park.

NEW Zealand rugby selectors picked scrum-half Brendon Leonard and prop John Schwalger for the first time and omitted winger Rico Gear for the All Blacks’ final matches before the World Cup.

WELLINGTON scrum half Piri Weepu will face the British and Irish Lions for the second time in five days believing the Maori’s victory can help his provincial side.

Ma’a Nonu is the only one of Wellington’s five All Blacks to have been released for Wednesday’s clash with the Lions at the Cake Tin.