Southland is the opponent today in Gore, for Otago's final pre-season game, in what should be a good litmus test for the men in blue and gold.
Otago has a good core of experience in its side, although there are two players today - winger Fa'asiu Fuatai and prop Craig Millar - who will make their first-class debuts.
The likes of Liam Coltman, Tom Donnelly and Paul Grant have plenty of miles on the provincial clock, while backs Hayden Parker and Buxton Popoali'i have been around the traps for a while.
And this is the ITM Cup, where the average age is not far past 21. Veterans like Donnelly and Grant are the rarity, rather than the norm.
Otago coach Tony Brown brought a freshness and enterprise to the Otago side last year with his attacking game plan and will be seeking to do the same thing this season.
There will be the odd tweak and adjustment but Brown is still wanting to move the ball around and create plenty of chances.
He has the artillery to do that, with halfback Fumiaki Tanaka a key and the loose forwards also vitally important. They should get a good test this afternoon, when Gareth Evans, Hugh Blake and Grant come up against Elliot Dixon, John Hardie and Hale T-Pole.
This is looming as a big year for Evans, as he seeks to take the next step in his career.
He has had an impressive club season but needs to be more consistent to get into the Super 15 picture.
The same goes for Blake. Despite being named in the Highlanders wider training squad last season, he was not seen as an option by coach Jamie Joseph when the opportunity arose.
Blake must put that disappointment behind him and try to make an impact where it matters.
Brown has named five forwards and only two backs on the bench and is sure to introduce the hard-hitting TJ Ioane at some stage.
Ioane ended up having a heavy workload for the Highlanders, and has had a few weeks to freshen up.
Otago is not lacking in quality loose forwards and Brown may have a tough job juggling all his options.
The side will travel to Gore today after being based at the Catlins River Ridge Retreat for a couple of nights.
Rugby training was mixed with a few team-building exercises, and players went out for tea last night with local families.
A cloudy day, with light winds, is forecast for Gore today. The Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy, which Otago holds, will not be at stake.
Otago v Southland
Gore, today, 2.30pm
Otago: Tony Ensor, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Michael Collins, Peter Breen, Buxton Popoali'i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Paul Grant (captain), Hugh Blake, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Tom Donnelly, Scott Manson, Liam Coltman, Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli, Charlie O'Connell, Lee Allan, TJ Ioane, Josh Renton, Matt Faddes.
Southland: Marty McKenzie, Warrick Lynn, Bryan Milne, Willis Halaholo, Tim Cornforth, Scott Eade, Tayler Adams, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Hale T-Pole, Michael Fatialofa, Josh Bekhuis, Nick Barrett, Talemaitonga Tuapati, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: David Hall, JP Koen, Craig Smith, Naulia Dawai, Nemia Kentale, Cardiff Vaega, Keanu Kahukura.
Referee: Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri.
