The Otago Spirit will be missing two key backs for its crunch match against Bay of Plenty at Forsyth Barr Stadium this morning.
The team has trained particularly well this week.
But winger Hollie Fraser has been ruled out with an ankle complaint and may miss the remainder of the season, and second five eighth Georgina McCullough has been sidelined after suffering a delayed concussion following the match against Canterbury last Saturday.
''It has probably been our best training week this season but we've lost a couple of players,'' coach Duncan McEwan said.
McCullough's absence will leave the Spirit ''a bit light in the midfield'', while Fraser has been in potent form out wide.
''[Fraser] is very, very powerful, very dynamic and it is hard to replace someone of that ability when we are trying to play the game at width.
''We lose one of our big attacking weapons. But, in saying that, we have a very capable replacement in Kilisitina Moata'ane, who has been playing for us on the wing this season and is a very good player as well.''
McEwan has opted for five forwards on the bench, leaving halfback Deirdre Roberts and outside back Larissa Muir as the only backline cover.
Otago is in fifth place with one win from three games and must beat Bay of Plenty to stay in touch with the top four sides.
''It is a game we need to win. I really want to target five points out of this game if we can.
''It is going to be difficult for us now to make the semifinals but it is still possible. But we definitively need a good result this weekend.
''Bay of Plenty are a quality side. They've got a good result against Hawkes Bay and have pushed some other teams reasonably hard as well ... and we are going to have to play well to beat them.''
Bay of Plenty has made two changes from the side that beat Hawkes Bay 22-19 earlier this month.
Holly Farrar will start at openside flanker, replacing Hana Tapiata, and Chanelle Rata Makene has been rewarded for some strong form with a start on the left wing.
Otago v Bay of Plenty
Dunedin, today, 11am
Otago: Olivia Waldron, Rian Sanerive, Greer Muir, Sheree Hume, Kilisitina Moata'ane, Michaela Baker, Megan Manson, Angie Sisifa, Madeleine Finch, Julia Gorinski, Syreeta Norris, Epe Elisara, Gemma Tuhega, Tegan Hollows, Eilis Doyle.
Reserves: Emily Rogers, Marilie, Mostert, Kate Smith, Zoe Whaterau, Mary Jane Kivalu, Deirdre Roberts, Larissa Muir.
Bay of Plenty: Autumn Stephens, Mystery McLean Kora, Anisha Te Hiko, Nicole Cawthorn, Chanelle Rata Makene, Lauralee Hillman, Teagan Wallace, Luka Connor, Holly Farrar, Mikyla Wardlaw, Crystal Mika, Kaci James, Janina Khan (captain), Ereti Williams, Misty Mika.
Reserves: Kawha Brears Mere, Kate Henwood, Ngakauiti Biel Mair, Ange Withers, Crystal Walters, Keri Jennings, Chevylee Crean.
