Buxton Popolai'i
With Tony Ensor out of the side with a shoulder injury, Peter Breen has moved to fullback. Buxton Popolai'i comes into the wing and Jayden Spence is named at centre. Michael Collins will start at second five-eighth.
It will be the first defence for Otago in 56 years.
Otago: Peter Breen, Kieran Moffat, Jayden Spence, Michael Collins, Buxton Popoali'i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Paul Grant (captain), Lee Allan, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Tom Donnelly, Scott Manson, Liam Coltman, Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Tamat Tuirirangi, Charlie O'Connell, TJ Ioane, Willis Scott, Josh Renton, Fa'aisu Fuatai.
