The trio are among seven new faces for the game against traditional rival Southland in Alexandra tomorrow, and all are braced for a big season.
O'Connell will be keen to show his inspirational leadership and aggressive play at No 8 can translate from club rugby to the national championship, for which he has been handed the Otago captaincy.
Coltman needs to regain ground after slipping back in the national hooking stakes, while rising lock Franklin gets another opportunity to show his wares, after impressing in a few appearances for the Highlanders.
With O'Connell back at No 8, Lee Allan moves to the side of the scrum, where he will be partnered by new Otago openside James Lentjes.
Highlanders first five Hayden Parker replaces Peter Breen in the No 10 jersey, Michael Collins usurps Taieri clubmate Kieran Moffat at centre, and Trent Renata replaces Tony Ensor at fullback.
Southland, which was stunned 40-38 by Heartland Championship province Mid Canterbury in Oamaru last weekend, appears to have taken a different tack to Otago in terms of selection.
The Stags have left Chiefs prop Jamie Mackintosh and Highlanders Elliot Dixon, JP Koen, Lima Sopoaga and Josh Bekhuis on the bench.
The Donald Stuart Memorial Shield, which is held by Southland, will not be contested until the sides meet in competition in Invercargill on August 30.
