Slade McDowall. PHOTO: ODT FILES

Otago should know the availability of two of its key players today.

Any further sanctions for red and yellow cards given to, respectively, Slade McDowall and Vilimoni Koroi on Sunday are expected to be announced today.

Openside flanker McDowall was shown a red card late in the unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield defence against Hawke’s Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

It followed a high tackle in which his shoulder made contact with the Jonah Lowe’s head.

He is likely to face a playing ban, as is typical after a red card.

The decision could be pivotal for Otago, which does not have a second specialist openside flanker in its squad.

Meanwhile, livewire fullback Koroi had earlier been shown a yellow card, having taken out Caleb Makene in the air.

He may face a penalty as well.

Otago plays Wellington in the Capital on Saturday afternoon.

Its next home game is the following weekend, as it hosts Counties-Manukau on the Sunday.