Provincial union bosses had a teleconference yesterday to draw the four games between teams in the two pools in the ITM Cup next year.
Otago selected and was drawn against the top four teams from last season: Taranaki, Tasman, Canterbury and Auckland.
Under the competition rules, the first crossover games are worked out on finishing positions in last season's ITM Cup.
As Otago finished second bottom of the championship it will take on Tasman at home. Tasman was a losing finalist in the premiership.
Otago had the second pick in the second round of selections and after Bay of Plenty picked Waikato, Otago decided to take Canterbury.
The attraction of hosting Canterbury was an appealing prospect for Otago.
The sides clashed this year at Forsyth Barr Stadium, but the game was scheduled for a Thursday night.
The Otago union was disappointed with this schedule and will be hoping for a more fan-friendly time next season.
Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley said the side wanted to take on Canterbury.
''We talked to the coaching staff and they thought it would be a good test and set a good benchmark to take on Canterbury. Commercial considerations do also come into the picture, but we always have a good game against Canterbury,'' Kinley said.
The union also polled its fans and that also had an impact on what teams it picked, he said.
Playing times have yet to be arranged and a draft draw will be out in a couple of months.
Canterbury finished third in the premiership and will be a tough team to bowl, even away from home.
Taranaki had the first pick of the third round and it decided to pick Otago, with the match to be played in New Plymouth.
Otago and Taranaki have not clashed since 2010.
The sides have been in separate divisions since then.
Taranaki supporters wanted to have a game against Otago.
The final round was the pick of the championship side, but Otago had the second last pick.
It could choose between Auckland and Counties-Manukau and elected to go with the big city side, with the match to be played in Auckland.
With Southland also likely to be a home game, Otago will host the three South Island teams.
Its other home games were likely to be against Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty, although the draw has to be confirmed.
Forsyth Barr Stadium will not host a midweek game next season, which is a boost to the bottom line of the Otago union, as midweek games traditionally do not draw large crowds.
Squads will also expand to 23 next year, including an entire reserve front row.
