Fullback Matt Faddes, centre Marshall Suckling and loose forwards Lee Allen and Adam Hill have been called in to help bolster a struggling Country side.
Assistant coach Sam Gibbens said several players were unavailable due to injury or other commitments and it was necessary to find replacements.
"Having these guys is good for them to get some game time and it's also good for us because we have got a few guys out."
All of the players are from, or affiliated to, the regions around Dunedin, but all played club rugby in the city this year.
Allen was on the bench for Otago's opening game against Northland, while Faddes, Suckling and Hill are in the Otago squad but have not been required in the first two rounds of the ITM Cup.
As for Country's chances against the Development side, Gibbens was optimistic.
"They're a young team but they're pretty sharp," he said.
The Country pack may battle to match the Development forwards, as it lacks some size and experience in the tight, but Heriot prop Blair Young and Arrowtown lock John Morrison have been around the team for several years. The Otago Development side, coached by Barry Stevens and Paul Miller, features a handful of fringe Otago players.
New Zealand Colts No 8 Solomon T-Pole and strapping Green Island flanker Tala Moli provide some power in the loose forwards, while Taieri hooker Will Hurst was an impressive performer for North Otago last season.
Nippy Southern halfback Robbie Smith and accurate University goal kicker Stephen Fenemor guide the backline, which features young Dunedin fullback Jesse Toto and Southern flyer Harry Uffindell.
Development v Country
University Oval, today, 2.30pm
Otago Development: Jesse Toto, Harry Uffindell, Kori Rupene, Guy Schikkard, Shannon Young, Stephen Fenemor, Robbie Smith, Solomon T-Pole, Tala Moli, Willis Scott, Sam Gavigan, Blair Tweed or Sam Gibson, Hisa Sasagi, Will Hurst, Dave Smart. Reserves: Jake Maiono, Brett Anderson, Johnny Mason, Simon Knight, Nick Annear, Ben Patston, Tumua Ioane.
Otago Country: Shane Excel, Kurt Checketts, Marshall Suckling, Hayden Wyber, Tyler Bichan, Cam Johnston, Brendon Cairns, Simon Grant, Adam Hill, Lee Murray, John Morrison, Mike Blair, Stu Young, Reuben O'Connell, Blair Young. Reserves: Nic Gee, Simon Scott, Lee Allen, Jai Baxter, Sam Wyber, Matt Faddes, one to be named.
