Otago do have some fit players to call on this week for their game against Auckland in Dunedin on Friday.
And no-one is more relieved about that than coach Tom Donnelly.
Otago were upset 22-13 by Southland in Invercargill in their season opener on Saturday.
They were monstered at the breakdown, struggled in the lineout and kicked a lot of ball away.
It was not the sort of performance that would inspire much confidence.
But Donnelly saw glimpses of potential and he was pleased with the character the team showed on defence.
His side also had to deal with a couple of late scratchings and further injuries in the first half, which forced a backline reshuffle.
"I was disappointed with the result but, with all the disruptions we had during the week, I was extremely proud of the effort," Donnelly said.
"We were under immense pressure in the first half, and to defend the way we did showed there is a hell of a lot of character within the team.
"But, again, it was a similar issue to when we played Canterbury [during the preseason]. We just made too many mistakes which allowed them to keep the pressure on us.
"There were plenty of opportunities for us in the game — we just didn’t quite nail them."
The luckless Josh Timu limped off in the first half against Southland. The midfielder has played just half a dozen professional games in the last two years due to a horrid run of injuries.
He took a whack to the leg but it is not considered too serious and he should be available for Otago’s round three game against Bay of Plenty.
Star winger Jona Nareki took a blow to the head early in the first half and failed an HIA. He was back running at training yesterday but he has a seven-day stand-down and will not feature against Auckland.
Co-captain and powerhouse No 8 Christian Lio-Willie has a hamstring complaint and is another week away from a return to play.
Loosie Tom Sanders has concussion symptoms and is also out of contention.
Highlanders midfielder Jake Te Hiwi requires surgery on his wrist and is out for the season, while winger Jeremiah Asi has a crook shoulder and is also gone for the season.
But there is some good news on the injury front.
Halfback James Arscott, who rolled his ankle at training last week, is back in the mix for selection.
Blindside Oliver Haig has recovered from a head knock and his presence in the lineout will be warmly welcomed by Otago.
Robust midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jenson, who tweaked his knee in a club game, is another returnee. He put in the mahi at training yesterday and his return is timely given Timu’s absence.
