The team opted to start with three locks in the 27-15 loss to Tasman in Nelson.
One of them played on the blindside of course, but Otago have reverted to the standard set-up for tomorrow’s match against Wellington at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Towering second-rower Fabian Holland drops to the bench for his blazer game and Josh Dickson moves from the blindside and will partner lock Will Tucker.
That frees up a slot for powerhouse loose forward Christian Lio-Willie. He will start at No8, with Sam Fischli shifting to the No6 jersey.
Former All Black Waisake Naholo’s debut performance for Otago lasted all of 15 minutes. He left the field with a knee injury.
It is unclear how bad it is. The Otago camp is still waiting to hear back. But assistant coach Ryan Bambry told the Otago Daily Times it did not look too good for the 32-year-old.
‘‘He has not trained this week and it is probably not looking great at this stage,’’ he said.
Otago have made a minor reshuffle to the backline in Naholo’s absence.
Josh Whaanga, who started at centre last week but moved to wing when Naholo was injured, will start on the right wing.
That leaves a spot open for Thomas Umaga-Jensen. He started from the bench against Tasman and impressed.
He was arguably Otago’s best payer and will start at second five, which means Jake Te Hiwi will slide along one place to centre.
Cameron Miller comes on to the bench. He missed the game against Tasman due to a bereavement and is still making his way back from an ankle complaint.
Inside back Jack Leslie and prop Abraham Pole have also been named on the bench.
NPC
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Saturday at 4.35pm
Otago: Finn Hurley, Josh Whaanga, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert (co-captain), James Arscott, Christian Lio-Willie, Sean Withy (co-captain), Sam Fischli, Will Tucker, Josh Dickson, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham.
Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Abraham Pole, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Harry Taylor, Kieran McClea, Jack Leslie, Cameron Millar.
