Moffat has had a slow start to the season, laid low by a rib injury he picked up in the final pre-season game about a month ago.
He played a game for North Otago last week and coach Tony Brown has decided to put him straight back into the action to face Hawkes Bay tomorrow afternoon.
Moffat has played his last six games for Otago at centre and will add some size to the Otago backline.
With his inclusion, Jayden Spence moves to the wing, replacing Matt Faddes.
In the forwards, TJ Ioane and James Lentjes return to the starting line-up, combining with captain Charlie O'Connell in the loose.
Lock Joe Latta is over the knee injury he picked up against Canterbury nine days ago and Jackson Hemopo moves to the bench.
Prop Donald Brighouse has recovered from a rib cartilage issue, also picked up against Canterbury, and he takes a place on the bench.
Brown has gone with five forwards on the bench, expecting a physical game, and there is plenty of versatility in the Otago backline.
Hawkes Bay welcomes back Gareth Evans to No 8 after he missed the last game because of an ankle injury.
Highlanders winger Richard Buckman will start at fullback in a backline that looks dangerous.
Two former Highlanders backs, Matt Berquist and Jason Shoemark, will be on the Hawkes Bay bench, having returned to New Zealand after stints overseas.
Otago v Hawkes Bay
Napier, tomorrow, 4.35pm
Otago: Trent Renata, Jayden Spence, Kieran Moffat, Tei Walden, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Hayden Parker, Josh Renton, Charlie O'Connell (captain), James Lentjes, TJ Ioane, Tom Franklin, Joe Latta, Michael Mata'afa, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Donald Brighouse, Jackson Hemopo, Lee Allan, Hugh Blake, Nick Ealey, Peter Breen.
Hawkes Bay: Richard Buckman, Ryan Tongia, Robbie Fruean, Andrew Horrell, Shannan Chase, Ihaia West, Chris Eaton, Gareth Evans, Brendon O'Connor (captain), Tony Lamborn, Mark Abbott, Michael Allardice, Jason Marshall, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Tivaini Fomai, Adrian Barone or Jason Long, Tom Parsons, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Ellery Wilson, Jason Shoemark, Matt Berquist.
Referee: Garratt Williamson (Wellington)
