Outside back Josh Whaanga and prop Rohan Wingham made their first-class debut in the 27-15 loss to Tasman in Nelson last week.
Wingham scrummed like a veteran and has retained his spot in the run-on team, while Whaanga also performed well.
This time last year, Whaanga was starting for John McGlashan College in the final of the Otago Schools Rugby Championship.
Otago assistant coach Ryan Bambry has been impressed with the progress the young man has made.
"He is obviously only eight months out of school and it is hard to believe the growth that he has had in that time," Bambry said.
"We thought he did a really good job for us in his debut game against a pretty stacked Super Rugby-like backline.
"We’re really proud of him and he’s going to be an important guy for us moving forward."
Whaanga started at centre against Tasman but shifted out to the right wing when former All Black Waisake Naholo hobbled off with a crook knee 15 minutes into the game.
Both rookies will be a little bit less nervous today now they have got a game under the belt.
"We feel we weren’t too far away [against Tasman] and everyone deserves another crack," Bambry said.
Naholo is out, though. His leg is in a brace and he could be facing a lengthy stint on the sideline.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen replaces him in the starting lineup and will slot in at second five. His twin brother, Peter, will start at second five for Wellington.
That match-up is sure to attract some attention.
The only other change to Otago’s starting personnel sees lock Fabian Holland drop to the bench.
That means Josh Dickson will shuffle from blindside to lock, Christian Lio-Willie will start at No 8 and Sam Fischli gets the No6 jersey .
The defending champions got their campaign under way with a 22-6 win against Manawatū.
Coach Tamati Ellison has made five changes to his side.
James O’Reilly and Peter Lakai return in the forward pack, with prop Siale Lauaki earning a start ahead of PJ Sheck.
Riley Higgins and Connor Garden-Bachop also return from injuries and will get an opportunity off the bench.
Midfielder Billy Proctor will make his 50th appearance for the Lions.
The Mike Gibson Memorial trophy is at stake. Gibson played 26 games for Otago between 1984 and 1986 and 16 for Wellington in 1987 and 1988. He fell ill during a Wellington game against Manawatu in 1988 and was diagnosed with leukaemia. He died six months later.
NPC
Forsyth Barr Stadium, 4.35pm
Otago: Finn Hurley, Josh Whaanga, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert (co-captain), James Arscott, Christian Lio-Willie, Sean Withy (co-captain), Sam Fischli, Will Tucker, Josh Dickson, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham. Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Abraham Pole, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Harry Taylor, Kieran McClea, Jack Leslie, Cameron Millar.
Wellington: Ruben Love, Losi Filipo, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Pepesana Patafilo, Aidan Morgan, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (captain), Brad Shields, Hugo Plummer, Caleb Delany, Siale Lauaki, James O’Reilly, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Josh Southall, Cameron Orr, PJ Sheck, Akira Ieremia, Dominic Ropeti, Kyle Preston, Riley Higgins, Connor Garden-Bachop.
