The blue and golds have enjoyed a couple of large victories over lower-rated opponents in Mid Canterbury and North Otago but will face some Super 14 quality in a Tasman side having its first hit-out for the season.
With the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington just two weeks away, the emphasis for Otago goes on a solid defence, eliminating mistakes, and converting pressure into points.
Glenn Dickson continues at fullback for Otago with Ben Smith still struggling with an Achilles injury.
Halfback Sean Romans is the other player unavailable for tomorrow, as his hamstring is not quite right after he strained it at training just over a week ago.
Both players are expected back next week against Southland in the final pre-season match.
Johnny Legg gets another start at halfback while the midfield combination of Luke Herden and Brett Mather gets one more outing.
Steven Setephano gets another chance at the captaincy from No 8 but Martin said the captain for the season had yet to be decided.
There is a new name at lock but not a new player. Seko Qaraniqio has changed his name to Seko Kalou. Kalou is a family name and the Fijian simply wanted to use the shorter name.
Martin said Kalou was seen as more of a lock now rather than a blindside flanker, where he played last year.
Kalou will lock the scrum with Hayden Triggs while the experienced Tom Donnelly is on the bench and is expected to get some action.
Junior All Black Alando Soakai is back training with the squad, and is travelling to Nelson as the 24th player in the squad.
He may get some playing time as the match goes on.
Sam Hibbard and Ben Nolan will form a solid front row with hooker Jason Macdonald.
Former league player Michael Witt has overcome a knee injury and is in the reserves along with Aaron Bancroft.
Otago coach Steve Martin said the first two matches produced some quality rugby with the team sticking to the game plan and scoring some good tries.
The side was continuing to build and there was competition in the squad which was only good for the team.
It will be the first hit-out for Tasman, which has just returned from a week-long camp.
The match kicks off at noon tomorrow at Trafalgar Park to enable Otago, which travels up today, to return to Dunedin tomorrow night.
• Otago v Tasman
The teams
Otago: Glenn Dickson, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Luke Herden, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Johnny Legg, Steven Setephano (captain), Eben Joubert, Hoani Matenga, Seko Kalou, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws, Tom Donnelly, Paul Grant, Alando Soakai, James Kenny, Michael Witt, Andrew Parata, Aaron Bancroft.
Tasman: Robbie Malneek, James Kamana, Kade Poki, Andrew Goodman, Afeleki Pelenise, Matty James, Kahn Fotuali'i, Mark Bright, Jonathan Poff, Daniel Hyatt, Joe Wheeler, Anthony Elisala, Sakaria Taulafo, Daniel Perrin, Tristan Moran.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Hamish Cochrane, James Foster, Alex Ainley, Glen Gregory, Zane Winslade, Daniel Crichton, Shaun Begg, James Marshall, Blair Cook, Sione Holani, Ammon Matuauto, Mike Pehi.
