The Whalers are coming off a big loss last week, going down to the Southland Rams in Invercargill as they ended up on the wrong end of a 44-6 scoreline.
The Whalers will have a mammoth task in their effort to beat Canterbury, as they are missing some key players and there is some depth in Canterbury league.
Whalers coach Ray Fitiao had a ''frank'' discussion with his players at training on Thursday night.
''If we come home after a poor performance and a heavy loss, they'll realise their position will be compromised,'' Fitiao said.
He put the challenge to newly selected players to show their hunger for a good performance which should lead to a permanent spot in the team.
Sam Brame has been selected to play lock after a strong performance last week, Fitiao said.
Isaac Misky will also get his chance to start at hooker, taking over the spot from an absent Corey Rigall.
Although Rigall, Terrence Reid and Hyrum Martin will not be representing Otago this weekend, Fitiao remained confident his side would put up a strong effort.
He said Ben McKerchar and Louis Tili would be vital players in the game as they had the skills and vision to create opportunities.
The only thing holding them back was finishing and if the side could rectify the problem, they would be in with a chance, Fitiao said.
Canterbury will be taking the field for the first time this tournament as the team from Christchurch had a bye last week.
The Whalers are anticipate a big, strong team today and expect some big hits and forward-oriented play from the side.
Bad weather was forecast, with some rain and the ground at Denton Oval in Hornby was bound to be heavy underfoot, which would be ideal for a big team, Fitiao said.
- Thomas Heaton
Otago Whalers v Canterbury Development
Christchurch, today, 3pm
Kail Spooner, Jalan Wallace, Brogan Jackson, Richard Clarke, Taua Piri, Louis Tili, Ben McKerchar, Dexter Buchanan, Isaac Misky, Koben Katipa (captain), Eddie van Aalst, Sam Brame, Dave Hong.
Bench: Geoff Horsburgh, Joe Bywater, Tyson Ball.
