Tony Brown.
Otago coach Tony Brown confirmed Ellison and Thomson have been released from the All Black squad and will start for Otago against Northland at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He said it would be great for his young side to have the likes of the the experienced centre Ellison and loose forward Thomson in the team.
The duo are in the 28-man All Black squad for the Rugby Championship but did not make the starting 22 last week against Australia and have not made the final cut again this week.
Ben Smith, Otago's other All Black, is expected to be picked in the back reserves when the team to play the Wallabies at Eden Park is named tomorrow morning.
