The Old Golds are home to Horowhenua Kapiti to get their season under way in Oamaru.
Ben McCarthy, who did not play last season, was the hero in the 89-23 drumming when the two last met in 2022.
McCarthy, who has been named to start at fullback today, broke two North Otago records on that day — most conversions (12) and most points (29).
Hayden Todd also returns to the fold after a season away from Heartland and will start at centre.
Jake Matthews is another welcome addition, after playing in Ireland last year, and has been named at halfback, while Tini Feke has switched from halfback to first five.
Greg Dyer will drive the backline from first five with Seva Druma and Mavaetangi out wide.
Co-captain Mat Duff will lead from the openside, while co-captain Cameron Rowland will be injected in the back row off the bench.
Fergus Read and Anthony Docherty make their Heartland debuts as the locking combination, Samu Babiau will be explosive from the back of the scrum and Savenaca Rabaka gets the start at blindside after a strong club season.
Props Jake Greenslade and Sione Tukala pack down alongside Japanese hooker Ryusei Kato. Other Japanese player Chihiro Matsuyama will debut off the bench in the backline.
Manulua Taiti, Epineri Logavatu, Tyron Davies and Lisivani Tuifua provide some experience from the bench.
Horowhenua have named eight debutants in their team.
Heartland Championship
The teams
North Otago: Ben McCarthy, Seva Druma, Hayden Todd, Tini Feke, Mavaetangi Finau, Greg Dyer, Jake Matthews, Samu Babiau, Mat Duff, Savenaca Rabaka, Fergus Read, Anthony Docherty, Sione Tukala, Ryusei Kato, Jake Greenslade. Reserves: Cullen Johnstone, Bradley Harwood, Lisivani Tuifua, Epineri Logatvatu, Cameron Rowland, Manulua Taiti, Tyron Davies, Chihiro Matsuyama.
Horowhenua Kapiti: Leighton Ralph, Sean Pape, Darren Falaniko, Connor Paki, Kapu Broughton-Winterburn, Brandyn Laursen, Esi Komaisavai, Mika Alaifatu, Jack Sturmey, Aaron Lahmert, Michael Laursen, Dallas Wiki, Sebastian Jackson, Jeremy David, Ted
Northcott. Reserves: Poleka Itielu, David McErlean, Teraiti Donaghy, Kale Eriksson, James Woodmass, Jacob Seymour, Malaki Masoe, Willie Paia’aua.
