Otago started its national provincial championship season with a 26-5 loss to Wellington in the capital last week, and will want to get in the win ledger against Hawkes Bay, which also lost last week, 31-5 to Canterbury in Christchurch.
In other changes, Kelly Brazier, who started at halfback last week, has shifted to fullback, with Victoria Nafatali going from fullback to centre.
Hohepa replaces Jamie Greene on the left wing.
Rachel Scott, who had been placed at centre by coach Jonathon Homer last week, has returned to the blindside flank, where she has played most of her rugby.
Her aggressive tackling and ability at the breakdown make her better suited to the forward pack. She replaces Kate Hitchen.
Veteran first five-eighth Anna Richards will take the field after recovering from the hamstring injury which forced her off at half-time last week.
Hooker Rachel Ovens swaps places with Jess Tuhega, who moves to the bench.
Otago captain Beth Mallard said the side had not played badly last week, but got hurt in the first half by penalties at the breakdown, which had led to the side being 19-0 down at the break.
The side was working on making better use of the ball.
"Last week we probably could have scored a couple of tries in the second half but maybe hung on to the ball too long in the forwards and did not get it out to our backs," Mallard said.
Today's match was all about taking opportunities, and Mallard said the side welcomed the return of Hohepa, who had recovered from a shoulder injury.
Mallard said the side had trained well throughout the week, and knew it had to stay disciplined, especially when playing away from home.
The breakdown area was proving difficult, with many 50-50 calls not going Otago's way in the last game, Mallard said, and that was leading to the side being a bit more cautious in that area.
Otago's backline had a more threatening look about it with Brazier at the back, and with Richards and Berry in the insides, there was plenty of experience to help steer the side round the field.
The forward pack had shown it had plenty of muscle and should win its share of line-out ball, and be competitive in the scrum.
Mallard said the side could take much out of last week, but needed to improve against Hawkes Bay.
Former Otago and Black Ferns centre Claire Richardson has been named to play for Hawkes Bay on the blindside flank.
She has played all her club rugby in the forwards this year, wanting a change, although she may not front today, having picked up an injury last week.
Otago v Hawkes Bay
Napier, today, 2.30pm
Otago: Kelly Brazier, Chloe Trubshoe, Victoria Nafatali, Janna Vaughan, Carla Hohepa, Anna Richards, Zoey Berry, Ngamamae Rapata, Megan Kane, Rachel Scott, Lauren Roney, Carrie Lobb, Beth Mallard (captain), Rachel Ovens, Gemma Tuhega.
Reserves: Jess Tuhega, Phillipa Love, Leyhana Van Vugt, Nicky Crawford, Melissa Grant, Natahlia Darling, Melissa Fairburn.
Hawkes Bay: Te Maari MacGregor, Ngahuri Thompson, Jeda Hakopa, Chanel Huddleston (captain), Kate Bradshaw, Amy Williams, Gemma Woods, Deidre Hakopa, Shaan Waru, Claire Richardson, Kaira Biss, Te Aroha Hunt, Vicki Peni, Hayley Saunders, Nicky Evans.
Reserves: Jess Carter, Marley Te Ahuru, Angelina Tairakena, Jasmin Tihema, Tracy Hawkins, Lisa Ropiha, Shaylee Tipiwai.
