Finn Hurley has returned from injury and has been named on the bench.
The livewire fullback has been unavailable all season after suffering a quadriceps injury during the Highlanders campaign, but was back training with Otago last week.
Oliver Haig gets the nod to start at lock ahead of Joseva Tamani, while centre Josh Timu has been ruled out with a knee injury, as reported yesterday.
Josh Whaanga takes his spot in the run-on side.
It all adds up to quite a bit of change for an Otago team list that has been very consistent each week.
Souchon is on loan from Southland and has been brought in to add some experience following the season-ending injury to Henry Bell.
A-One Lolofie filled in during Bell’s absence, but he is still very raw, and Otago took advantage of a rule that allows for front-rowers to be loaned out.
Souchon’s presence in the starting lineup allows Otago to beef up their bench.
Former All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman can return to the bench and stay fresh for the final quarter of the game, where he has made a big impact for Otago.
Otago led Waikato 38-22 with 20 minutes to go in the quarterfinal in Dunedin on Friday night.
But Otago made a series of changes and the visitors wrestled the momentum away.
It took a penalty from Cameron Millar in the final play of the game to secure a dramatic 44-41 win.
North Harbour also came back at Otago late during their round nine game.
While a couple of lapses do not constitute a trend, Otago had previously been finishing games strongly and Coltman was influential in that.
Hurley’s return will excite fans. He will bring some X-factor off the bench.
The diminutive outside back had been sidelined since April.
"It’s a credit to Finn and our medical and S and C team [in conjunction with the Highlanders] who have worked tirelessly to get him back to full fitness," Otago coach Mark Brown said.
Tamani’s demotion is a little curious. He has been a reliable starter for Otago and is a punishing ball carrier.
Haig has made a solid impact coming off the bench. He is a very good defender and more mobile and gets the nod.
Timu’s injury is a blow. He has been a rock on defence.
Fellow midfielder Jake Te Hiwi is also out of action. He injured his foot earlier in the season and required an operation.
Otago are blessed with depth in the midfield.
Whaanga looked threatening against Waikato and he also made a wonderful offload in the Ranfurly Shield heist against Canterbury.
Lock Will Tucker will play his 50th game for Otago.
"Will is a central figure within the team and has made a significant contribution to the team’s success this year," Brown said.
Bay of Plenty have lost the services of All Blacks prop Pasilio Tosi — but he is replaced by Tevita Mafileo, the only uncapped player named in Scott Robertson’s squad on Monday.
Richard Judd replaces Charlie Sinton at halfback for the Steamers, while Taine Kolose starts at hooker in place of Kurt Eklund, whose nasty lip gash sustained in the quarterfinals required 60 stitches.
Canterbury have been bolstered for their semifinal against Hawke’s Bay by All Blacks tight forwards George Bell and Sam Darry.
NPC semifinal
The teams
Otago: Sam Gilbert (captain), Jae Broomfield, Josh Whaanga, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Dylan Pledger, Christian Lio-Willie, Lucas Casey, Will Stodart, Oliver Haig, Will Tucker, Rohan Wingham, Nic Souchon, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Benjamin Lopas, Moana Takataka, Joseva Tamani, Harry Taylor, Nathan Hastie, Sam Nemec-Vial, Finn Hurley.
Bay of Plenty: Cole Forbes, Kele Lasaqa, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Seamus Bardoul, Fehi Fineanganofo, Lucas Cashmore, Richard Judd, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Jacob Norris, Aisake Vakasiuola, Naitoa Ah Kuoi (captain), Tevita Mafileo, Taine Kolose, Josh Bartlett. Reserves: Sione Tupou, Haereiti Hetet, Benet Kumeroa, Semisi Paea, Joe Johnston, Charlie Sinton, Reon Paul, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black.
