They play Canterbury in a preseason game in Christchurch today.
It was initially to be played in Rolleston, but has been shifted to Addington because Foster Park is sodden following a lot of rain in the area.
Otago have 12 Super Rugby players in the starting XV and another five on the bench.
It is a very decent side, but there are some gaps.
Taieri loose forward Sam Fischli has been named at lock — a position in which he does not have much experience.
Lock Will Tucker has a foot complaint and is not expected to return for a few weeks, so Fischli has been asked to do the job, assistant coach Ryan Bambry said.
"He has played there before. But obviously Will Tucker is not there, so we are down a lock there and he [Fischli] could be an option there throughout the season, and show a bit of versatility for us," Bambry said.
Winger Jona Nareki was in magic form in the preseason game against Southland, but he is the only specialist winger in the squad.
The union has said it is in the market for an outside back, but so far there have been no announcements — just plenty of rumours.
Otago have opted to give Dunedin winger Kyan Rangitutia and Southern fullback Mackenzie Palmer another opportunity to impress. They are on the bench today.
Palmer bagged two tries in the outing against Southland and will be keen to impress again.
Finn Hurley pulled up tight during the Dunedin premier club final, but he is back running and should be available for Otago’s opening NPC game against Southland on August 10.
Midfielder Josh Timu, who played just 26 minutes for the Highlanders this season before getting injured, has been named at centre.
He also missed the entire NPC campaign last season. It has been a trying two years for the 27 year old.
"He has worked hard to get back and has looked good at training. Hopefully he can get back to the rugby player we know he can be," Bambry said.
Otago’s front row stocks are very healthy, though. Former All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman is joined on the bench by Super Rugby players Abraham Pole and Rohan Wingham.
They could roll on an entire new front row in the second half without losing any power.
Bambry said the competition for starting spots would be intense.
"We’ve got a lot of depth there, and they will all push each other hard for regular playing time. Not everyone will have the luxury of that kind of depth, so we’re pretty blessed there."
The game will be another opportunity for the Bell brothers to secure family bragging rights. All Black George Bell has been released to play in the game for Canterbury and will pack down against brother Henry.
■ Southland’s preseason game against Tasman in Christchurch just got a lot more challenging. Tasman will gain the services of David Havili, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder and Noah Hotham.
The other All Blacks to be released are Josh Lord (Taranaki), Sam Cane, Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Caleb Clarke (Auckland), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Northland) and Wallace Sititi (North Harbour).
NPC preseason
Christchurch, 2.05pm
Otago: Sam Gilbert, Josh Whaanga, Josh Timu, Ajay Faleafaga, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, James Arscott, Christian Lio-Willie, Harry Taylor, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Sam Fischli, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, George Bower.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Abraham Pole, Rohan Wingham, Ale Aho, Tom Sanders, Nathan Hastie, Kyan Rangitutia, Levi Harmon, Mackenzie Palmer, Benjamin Lopas, Lucas Casey.
Canterbury: Chay Fihaki, Kurtis MacDonald, Braydon Ennor, Jone Rova, Ngane Punivai, Shun Miyake, Willi Heinz, Torian Barnes, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Seb Calder, George Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Jaedian Christian, Zach Gallaher, Dominic Gardiner, Mitchell Drummond, Dallas McCleod, Isaac Hutchinson.
