Sean Maitland comes into Canterbury’s starting line-up for the Air New Zealand Cup final against Wellington at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.

Maitland, 20, replaces wing James Paterson, who hyper-extended his left knee and was replaced early in Canterbury’s semi-final victory over Hawkes Bay at AMI Stadium last Saturday.

Halfback Andy Ellis, who strained his right knee in the match against Hawkes Bay, is bracketed with Tyson Keats. Steve Alfeld is bracketed on the reserves bench with Keats as cover for halfback.

Centre Casey Laulala and lock Isaac Ross have both recovered from their minor knee injuries and have been named in the starting XV.

Coach Rob Penney said: "We have been unlucky with injuries this season, but they have provided opportunities for other players to make their mark. The injuries have highlighted the depth and potential among the group."

First-five Stephen Brett (quad), halfback Andy Ellis (ribs and knee), fullback Leon MacDonald (concussion), No8 Mose Tuiali’i (neck), loose forward Nasi Manu (ankle and back), second-five Ryan Crotty (ankle), centre Casey Laulala (arm), wing Paul Williams (knee) and hookers Ti’i Paulo (knee) and Corey Flynn (arm) have all been affected by injuries this season, although Manu, Laulala, Williams and Flynn have returned to play.

Another loss was prop Campbell Johnstone, who played his last game for Canterbury in the match against North Harbour in round six on September 6 before travelling to France to play for Biarritz.

Penney added: "We are lucky enough to have players who can slot straight in and are quickly up to speed."

Turning to Saturday night’s game against a Wellington side which finished two points ahead of Canterbury at the top of the table after the round-robin, Penney said: "We will go up to Wellington as underdogs. They are an experienced team with a lot of game-breakers but we will travel there in a positive frame of mind and are determined to do well."