Carisbrook-Dunedin legspinner Rhys Phillips replaces left arm quick Blair Soper. Soper pulled up lame with a hamstring complaint during Otago's match with Central Districts at the University Oval last week.
It was rotten luck. He has been absent from elite cricket for the past two years while getting over a shoulder complaint.
His loss will most probably mean Waitaki Boys' High School pupil Nathan Smith is promoted to the starting line-up.
He was 12th man last week and Otago coach Nathan King has previously indicated he would like to see what the 17-year-old is capable of at the next level.
King has nothing to lose by blooding a new player. The Volts have had a disappointing four-day campaign. They are in last place with one win, five losses and three draws.
Auckland can relax for its match against Central Districts in Napier, having already done enough to claim the trophy, while Wellington will host Canterbury. Second place is still open, so those teams have something minor to play for other than pride.
A good finish could see Otago climb one spot and avoid finishing last. That would be saving blushes rather than salvaging anything substantial, though.
However, the Volts have been hamstrung by injury and unavailability. This round, for example, Black Caps Neil Wagner, Hamish Rutherford, Mark Craig and former international Neil Broom are all missing.
Technically, Nathan McCullum could be added to the list as well, although he is unlikely to play first-class cricket again.
There are not many sides in world cricket, let alone provincial cricket, which could remain competitive when stripped of that many key players.
Otago has been forced to use 25 players this season. That said, there are still some experienced players in the team. Top-order batsmen Michael Bracewell (372 at 26.57) and Anaru Kitchen (304 at 30.40) have had better seasons.
Jacob Duffy has found some form with the ball in recent weeks but overall the attack has not been as penetrating as King would have hoped.
All-rounder Christi Viljoen has added some spark since joining the side. He has picked up nine wickets in three games and chipped in with the bat, blasting an undefeated half-century last week.
Ryan Duffy can look forward to an improved contract next season and more opportunities, following some promising late-season form. He carried his bat earlier this month with an unbeaten 90, and last week posted his maiden first-class hundred.
Northern's top-order batsman Bharat Popli will be looking to extend his wonderful record. The 25-year-old is the competition's leading scorer with 1060 runs, at an average of 66.25.
He brought up 1000 runs for the domestic season last week, joining an elite club of Martin and Jeff Crowe, Glenn Turner, Graeme Hick and Michael Papps.
He is part of an impressive top order which includes Daniel Flynn, Anton Devcich, Dean Brownlie and BJ Watling.●Canterbury's Peter Fulton needs another 29 runs to bring up 10,000 career runs.
Otago v ND
Whangarei, starting today
Otago: Brad Wilson (captain), Ryan Duffy, Michael Bracewell, Anaru Kitchen, Jimmy Neesham, Derek de Boorder, Josh Finnie, Christi Viljoen, Craig Smith, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Rhys Phillips.
Northern Districts: Daniel Flynn (captain), James Baker, Dean Brownlie, Anton Devcich, Tony Goodin, Brett Hampton, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Bharat Popli, Tim Seifert, Joe Walker, BJ Watling.
