Richards (44) has played 44 games for the Black Ferns since starting in 1990 and has amassed 84 points.
"Anna will give us the edge," coach Jonathon Homer told the Otago Daily Times.
"She has played for the Black Ferns for 20 years and is a big points scorer for New Zealand"Richards will provide leadership in the backs for a young Otago team.
"She has a strong desire to keep playing and will give our halfback, Kelly Brazier, some valuable lessons," Homer said.
Richards will be at first five-eighth when Otago plays its first NPC game against Wellington in the capital today.
She is one of four new caps in the Otago Spirit starting XV. The others are hooker Jess Tuhega, blindside flanker Kate Hitchen and centre Rachel Scott.
Hitchen, a former New Zealand A representative has recently returned to New Zealand after living in Australia.
"Kate has mobility around the paddock and is one of our two best line-out jumpers," Homer said.
In Tuhega, Homer sees an old hand who can give stability to a team containing many younger players. She joins her sister, Gemma, in the team.
Scott was a flanker in the Auckland wider training squad but has been switched to centre by the coach.
Otago has a strong pack that includes former New Zealand A player Ngamamae Rapata at No 8 and the experienced Megan Kane, who has stamped her mark on the openside flank.
Brazier is being played at halfback in this game but it is understood the Black Ferns selectors are looking at her as a first five-eighth or fullback in the New Zealand team.
A win against Wellington would lift the morale of an Otago team that experienced a 49-7 loss to Canterbury in a warm-up game.
"I don't focus on results," Homer said.
"I'm performance-driven and look at what the players need to be doing on the park. The important thing is to put a good performance on the table."
• OTAGO SPIRIT - 2009 SEASON
Draw: August 22 v Wellington, Wellington; August 29 v Hawkes Bay, Napier; September 5 v Canterbury, University Oval; September 12 v Manawatu, Carisbrook; September 19 v Auckland, Auckland.
Team to play Wellington today is: Victoria Nafatali, Chloe Trubshoe, Rachel Scott, Janna Vaughan, Jamie Greene, Anna Richards, Kelly Brazier, Ngamamae Rapata, Megan Kane, Kate Hitchen, Lauren Roney, Carrie Lobb, Beth Mallard (captain), Jess Tuhega, Gemma Tuhega.
Reserves: Rachel Ovens, Phillipa Love, Leyhana van Vugt, Nicky Crawford, Melissa Grant, Natahlia Darling, Sam Wong.
