Michael Collins, Josh Ioane, Dylan Nel and Josh Dickson sat out Sunday’s match against Tasman.
Otago played three games in nine days and coach Ben Herring opted to rest some of his stars for the last leg, dubbing the period "tranquillity week".
But with a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato on Saturday, the break is over.
Collins takes back his spot at fullback, which means elusive playmaker Vilimoni Koroi drops to the bench. He would have been an asset in the starting XV and will have to bring the magic from the pine instead.
"It was a tough decision because he is such a talented player and has a big future," Herring said.
"It was a tough call but that is just the way we’ve gone. We’ve got a very good backline, that’s for sure."
Josh Ioane will add some direction at first five-eighth which was missing during the first half against Tasman. The Highlanders back-up pivot is maturing into a very skilful player and has done a tremendous job of helping spark what is a potent backline.
Matt Faddes shifts from wing to his best position at centre and will partner Sio Tomkinson in the midfield.
Prop Hisa Sasagi will join Jonah Aoina and Sekonaia Pole in an all-new front row from the unit shoved around by a powerful Tasman pack. Dickson will strengthen the locking stocks and add some bulk to the second row.
Impressive No8 Nel is back to help get his side past the gain-line. Otago struggled in that area against Tasman, particularly in the first half.
Openside flanker Slade McDowall has retained his place ahead of the likes of James Lentjes, who is making his way back from a neck injury.
Joketani Koroi is rewarded for a strong performance from the bench and will join Nel and McDowall in the loose, while Naulia Dawai and Sione Misiloi are relegated to the bench.
There is no room for halfback Melani Matavao. Kurt Hammer is preferred in the starting role.
Josh Renton, who has been sidelined with a thumb injury, made his return from the bench on Sunday and will provide cover.
Midfielder Matt Whaanga injured a ligament in his foot against Tasman and was not considered.
Herring his hoping his stint on the sideline is just for the one game. The injury will be re-assessed after the weekend.
Otago v Waikato
Hamilton, Saturday, 5.05pm
Otago: Michael Collins, Mitchell Scott, Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Josh Ioane, Kurt Hammer, Dylan Nel, Slade McDowall, Joketani Koroi, Josh Dickson, Tom Rowe, Hisa Sasagi, Sekonaia Pole, Jonah Aoina. Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Tom Hill, Giorgio Bower, Sione Misiloi, Naulia Dawai, James Lentjes, Josh Renton, Vilimoni Koroi.