Nareki has been replaced in the starting team by Latu Vaeno for the game in Tauranga.
Nareki damaged his pectoral muscle in last week’s game against Southland and though it was not too serious, coach Cory Brown said, he was not able to play in the semifinal.
Nareki has scored nine tries in his debut season for Otago and his finishing ability will be a big loss for Otago.
"It is disappointing for him, as he has been playing really well and his left foot has been really useful for us in the past couple of games," Brown said.
"But I’ve got 100% faith in Latu. He’s a different type of player to Jona, more powerful, but he will get the job done."
Mitchell Scott is named on the other wing and Brown said his hamstring appeared right. He was taken off early last week in the win against Southland. Lock Blair Tweed gets a start ahead of Italian Josh Furno, who has had an excellent season for Otago.
Brown said Tweed gave the side a physical presence and would knock a few people over. Bay of Plenty had a physical pack so his willingness to mix it with the opposition was an asset Otago needed on the field.
Matt Faddes continues at fullback after a successful return from injury last week, with Josh Ioane set to carry out the goal-kicking. Ioane has a percentage of 62%, which is low for first-class rugby, but he improved last week against Southland.
Brown said the game was one about controlling pressure and putting pressure on the opposition at the right time.
"They’ll be looking to put pressure on the breakdown, pressure on at the set piece. We’ve got to look at controlling that and then putting the pressure back on them."
Bay of Plenty won the match between the sides 36-28 two weeks ago in Dunedin.
"We were a little bit off that week in our preparation and energy. But the boys have put in a good preparation this week."
The side would face a long haul to Tauranga today but Brown said the extended travel was just part of the competition and the team was simply looking forward to the game.
Otago has played at the Tauranga Domain only once, winning 33-32 last year.
Semifinals usually come down to composure and taking opportunities. Otago has scored more tries than Bay of Plenty this season — 43 to 38 — and must get across the tryline to be in with a chance tomorrow.
Bay of Plenty will name its side this afternoon. It has a question mark over veteran lock Cullum Retallick, who left the field last week due to a rib injury.
Otago v Bay of Plenty
Tauranga, 2.35pm, tomorrow
Otago: Matt Faddes, Mitchell Scott, Sio Tomkinson, Tei Walden, Latu Vaeno, Josh Ioane, Jono Ruru, Sione Teu, Dillon Hunt, Adam Knight, Josh Dickson, Blair Tweed, Donald Brighouse, Sam Anderson-Heather (captain), Craig Millar. Reserves: Sekonaia Pole, Aki Seiuli, Hisa Sasagi, Josh Furno, Slade McDowall, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith, Vilimoni Koroi.