Wellington and Southland will take settled sides but a lopsided playing history in Saturday's Air NZ Cup rugby semifinal in Wellington.

Southland will field just one change from the feted starting 15 who lifted the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury last Thursday, with No 8 Hua Tamariki introduced in place of the injured David Hall.

Hooker Brayden Mitchell comes onto the reserve bench as Highlanders hooker Hall was cover for that position behind starting rake Jason Rutledge.

There are two Wellington changes, most notably the return of All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu at first five-eighth.

Weepu, who missed All Blacks selection after battling injury for the last two months, will wear the No 10 jersey in place of the impressive Fa'atonu Fili.

It allows classy halfback Alby Mathewson to start, restoring the halves combination employed by the Hurricanes this year and by Wellington in the closing weeks of their 2008 campaign.

The other change sees prop John Schwalger return from injury, pushing Arden David-Perrot to the reserves.

Southland must not only come down from the high of their Shield heist but must also overcome a dreadful record against Wellington.

They have won just 23 of 89 games and haven't prevailed against the men from the capital since a 22-20 win in Invercargill seven years ago.

Southland's Air NZ campaigns have ended at the hands of Wellington in the playoffs for each of the last two years, succumbing 45-3 in the 2007 quarterfinals and 28-19 in last year's semis.

The latter match was a tight affair, with Southland holding a narrow lead entering the final quarter.

They were also within sight late in this year's round nine meeting in Wellington before the hosts pulled clear, scoring four tries in a 32-13 win.

For a side who have conceded less than 14 points a game this season, it was a rare lapse from the Southlanders, who strangled the life out of Canterbury in last week's 9-3 triumph.

Wellington have been on a five-match winning streak since that win while Southland won their last three regular-season matches to qualify one spot below them in third place. Teams:

Wellington: Apoua Stewart, David Smith, Alapati Leuia, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson, Mathew Luamanu, Serge Lilo, Victor Vito, Daniel Ramsay, Jacob Ellison (captain), Anthony Perenise, Ged Robinson, John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Arden David-Perrot, Mark Reddish, Scott Fuglistaller, Fa'atonu Fili, Robert Fruean, Daniel Kirkpatrick.

Southland: Glen Horton, Matt Saunders, Kenny Lynn, Jason Kawau, Tony Koonwaiyou, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Beckhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Fai Mika, Dave Gannon, Dion Bates, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Seminar Manu, James Wilson.