They are both from Southland and were members of the winning Alhambra-Union team in the Dunedin club competition this year.
Black Fern Claire Richardson, with her accurate goal-kicking, made a significant contribution to Otago's performance in last year's Air New Zealand Cup when it nearly beat Auckland in the final.
She had a success rate of more than 70% - a high rate in women's rugby.
Richardson has transferred to Hawkes Bay this season.
Halfback Zoe Berry will be the goal kicker against Wellington with regular kicker Kelly Brazier still recovering from a knee operation.
"Goal-kicking is one of our challenges this year," coach John Kyle said yesterday.
"There has been a dramatic improvement in Zoe's kicking since she has been working with Daniel Bowden."
The Otago first five-eighth has improved the timing and accuracy of Berry's goal kicking.
Coach Kyle has put much emphasis on the tight five and believes the experienced unit will play a key role in Otago's season.
It includes props Beth Mallard (captain) and Kamila Wihongi who have played for New Zealand.
Hooker Erin Moar and lock Carrie Lobb are both experienced representative players.
The backline, except for halfback Berry and wing Victoria Nafatali, are all Alhambra-Union players.
"It was a deliberate selection policy," Kyle said.
"They have been together all season and have a good combination."
Because Logan Park is under water the Otago Spirit squad has been forced to hold training sessions indoors at the Edgar Stadium.
It has shifted its training headquarters and had its first practice at Hancock Park last night.
Wellington always has a strong team and will not be easy to beat.
It beat Canterbury in a warm-up game last Saturday.
Otago lost its only warm-up game to Canterbury 15-28.
A newcomer on the bench is wing-fullback Chloe Trubshoe, a university student from Pal-merston North.
Otago v Wellington
University Oval, tomorrow
Charlotte Brock, Victoria Nafatali, Ashley Hooper, Janna Vaughan, Carla Hohepa, Kelly Brazier, Zoe Berry, Georgina Gane, Rebecca Mitchell, Kerry Stoddart, Nicki Crawford, Carrie Lobb, Beth Mallard (captain), Erin Moar, Kamila Wihongi.
Reserves: Megan Deans, Alosina Fanene, Megan Kane, Erin Bailey, Rebecca Chittock, Ainslie Johnston, Chloe Trubshoe.
