Two key men missing for testing match

Otago has brought Matt Faddes back into the midfield but, as expected, is missing a couple of key players for its match against Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow.

Faddes started off the match last week against North Harbour on the bench and came on early on the second half to help the side gain its sixth win in a row in the competition.

Sio Tomkinson moves in one place to second five-eighth, with Tei Walden moved to the bench.

Michael Collins, who has impressed at fullback for Otago this season, does not make the starting line-up, as he is still feeling the effects of a calf strain picked up in the match against North Harbour.

He is replaced by Tony Ensor, who has not been sighted since the opening game of the season against Southland more than a month ago.

Ensor has plenty of speed but will have to be solid on defence and look to make the most of any opportunities that come along.

Lock Tom Franklin is also missing as he nurses a groin injury.

Blair Tweed comes into the starting side. No8 Paul Grant will continue to lead the side and will slot into the locking position if needed.

There is no locking cover on the bench. Dillon Hunt and Naulia Dawai are the two loose forward reserves and both are likely to get a run against a Canterbury side packed with plenty of pace.

Otago is the only unbeaten team in either division of the Mitre 10 Cup after Canterbury lost to Manawatu last Saturday, but that loss will put some sting in the Canterbury tail tomorrow afternoon.

It is the 50th game in Canterbury colours for skipper Luke Whitelock. He will lead out a side packed with plenty of young talent.

The much-hyped Jordie Barrett starts at fullback, with Johnny McNicholl and Rob Thompson bringing the experience into the Canterbury backline. First five-eighth Richie Mo'unga will pair up with young promising halfback Ere Enari.

The Canterbury forward pack includes lock Dominic Bird, who has been in dominant form this season.

Canterbury has such depth it has been changing and rotating its team every week, and Highlanders prop Daniel Lienert-Brown comes off the bench along with Super rugby forwards Scott Barrett and Tom Sanders.

The match will be a real test in what is a challenging end to the season for Otago, in which three of its final four games are against sides from the higher Premiership.

After Canterbury, it heads to the city of sails to take on Auckland before its final home match of the season against Counties-Manukau on October 8.

The side finishes up the regular season with a match against Manawatu in Palmerston North on October 14.