Otago will name its squad for the ITM Cup tonight, but with just one match left in its warm-up - against Southland next Wednesday in Riverton - the side will be focused on making progress tomorrow in Nelson.
Tony Ensor gets a start at fullback while Matt Faddes, who impressed for the championship-winning University A side, starts at centre, a position at which he has not previously played for an Otago team.
Michael Collins starts inside him while University A halfback Kaide Whiting, who has previously played for Tasman, will wear the No9 jersey.
In the pack, Southern No8 Mika Mafi will play off the back of the scrum and clubmate Adam Knight will be on the blindside.
Taieri flanker James Lentjes will look to continue his impressive season on the openside flank.
University A captain and hooker Sam Sturgess gets a start.
Liam Coltman is still on leave, having had a torrid season with the Highlanders, and Sam Anderson-Heather is still carrying some niggles.
Junior T-Pole is in the reserves.
Otago, in the form of a Sassenachs side, had a promising hit-out last Sunday with a 51-28 victory over a very green Spartans team.
No players from the University A or Taieri teams, which contested the club final the day before, played in that match.
Otago will want to make progress from that hit-out and get the players fresh off the club final up to speed.
The warm-up match between Tasman and Otago has become a regular fixture and the Tasman side has had the wood on its opposite over recent years.
Tasman made it all the way to the ITM Cup Premiership final last year.
It played Manawatu on Wednesday and lost 47-19 in Palmerston North, although it was full of young players.
Tasman is due to name its team today but many of its Highlanders, such as Alex Ainley, Joe Wheeler and Marty Banks, are not expected to play.
Otago XV v Tasman
Nelson, tomorrow, 6pm
Otago XV: Tony Ensor, Gavin Stark, Matt Faddes, Michael Collins, Jack Wilson, Peter Breen, Kaide Whiting, Mika Mafi, James Lentjes, Adam Knight, Jackson Hemopo, Joe Latta, Scott Manson, Sam Sturgess, Donald Brighouse. Reserves: Junior T-Pole, Craig Millar, Blair Tweed, Naulia Dawai, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith.
