Otago coach Georgie Salter has been saying it is a must-win match for the past three weeks and repeated herself again yesterday.
The national championship has been anything but predictable this year with the topsy-turvy competition throwing up its share of surprises.
Just when North looked like it was unbeatable it had a hiccup against Waikato and then lost to Auckland Waitakere last weekend.
Southland looked like it was building momentum then it also came unstuck against the giant-killing Waikato team, which has fought its way back into semifinal contention after losing its first two matches.
All this has left Otago in a three-way tie for third place with Waikato and Southland, and needing to beat an experienced North side today.
A bonus-point loss may be enough to secure a semifinal spot, if Auckland Waitakere beats Waikato and Southland beats Western today.
A loss could see Otago fall out of the top four and face a play-off for fifth and sixth place, with the loser of that match playing a promotion-relegation game with the winner of division two.
That is a scenario Salter is keen to avoid but the focus has been on how to counter North's experienced players.
With former Silver Ferns defensive colossus Vilimaina Davu and her former national team-mate and centre Temepara George in the side, as well as experienced players such as Brigette Tapene and Cathrine Latu, Otago has a monumental task ahead.
"They're much more experienced than us so if we can match them with tactical nous, perhaps we could sneak the win," Salter said.
Defensively, Otago has been in good form with New Zealand A player Hannah Broederlow in a rich vein of form and Louise Thayer proving to be a player with bright future.
"It is going to be interesting how they go against them [Latu and Tapene]," Salter said, adding Thayers' athleticism gave her an advantage over the likes of Latu, who has been criticised for her lack of fitness.
Otago shooter Greir Campbell has an equally big challenge.
Davu set the benchmark for defenders and was world-class in her prime.
Like Latu, Davu has had fitness issues but her experience makes her a formidable opponent.
As long as Campbell can contain her excitement about playing against Davu, Salter believes her young shooter should match up well.
"I've been pleased with the steely resolve she has developed, and since the loss to Auckland she has learnt that you don't leave one inch unprotected."
One area Otago can expect parity is in the midcourt with former Silver Fern Debbie White and Philippa Finch forming a solid combination.
The threat of George looms large though.
"Temepara is such a little battle-axe and has constantly shown us the goods."
Otago is relatively injury-free.
White has a slight niggle in her calf and defenders Jess Moulds and Thayer are both under an injury cloud but expected to be fit.
