Otago takes on Northern Districts at University Oval with only a slim chance of making the playoffs. It is depending on other results, but the first thing it has to do is get a big win over the men from the north.
Otago has been handed what should be an easier assignment to beat Northern Districts, which sit third on the table.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, allrounder Mitch Santner and new-ball pair Trent Boult and Tim Southee have been given a break and will miss the game.
Williamson has a niggling foot injury, Santner is still recovering from the effects of a fractured thumb and opening bowlers Boult and Southee are having a rest after a heavy workload in recent weeks.
Black Caps Dean Brownlie and Jimmy Neesham are expected to play, Brownlie for Northern and Neesham for Otago.
Otago needs to have a big win over Northern Districts, scoring a bonus point, and then hope Auckland beatd Central Districts in New Plymouth
It is a tall order but Otago will be giving its all.
Meanwhile, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has said Neil Wagner will be given every opportunity to be right for the first test against South Africa in Dunedin, starting on March 8.
Wagner fractured his ring finger last week playing for Otago in Invercargill and was given the prognosis of between four to six weeks to come right.
Hesson said yesterday Wagner was desperate to play.
``He's pretty determined to be right for the first test but we'll have to wait and see. It will be a huge blow for us if he's unavailable.''
Auckland quick Lockie Ferguson may come into consideration if Wagner does not make it.
``He's certainly in our [test] thinking,'' Hesson said.
``He's got through a lot of overs in the last couple of years in the Plunket Shield. He's quite sustainable and has a nice record. He does give us a point of difference.''
