They were both part of the Southland side which wrestled the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury in 2009.
Wilson was on the bench that day and did not get on, but he played a starring role in 2011 when he nailed a late drop goal to seal a 22-19 win to take the Shield off Canterbury again.
Now both men have an opportunity to help Southland win it again as coaches.
The Stags will travel to Napier to play Hawke’s Bay and the winner gets the Log o’ Wood.
"It is a weird one being on the other side of it now but we’re excited about the opportunity," Wilson said.
"I was very much a spectator [in 2009] and it was quite a hard watch."
Southland won 9-3 in a grind.
"Most of the game was played around the middle of the field and it was an arm-wrestle, basically.
"It wasn’t a massive score but we got the job done."
The Stags would settled for another low score or a late drop goal if they come out on top today.
They have kept basically the same the crew who beat Otago 22-13 in the opening round last week.
Matt Whaanga is out injured and blindside Blair Ryall picked up an injury in training and has been a late scratching.
Whaanga’s spot will go to Faletoi Peni. He came on early against Otago and made an impact, and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa is promoted from the bench in the absence of Ryall.
Wilson was thrilled with how his side went against Otago. They dominated the lineout, the breakdown and had the lion’s share of the ball.
But they did struggle to convert opportunities and that has been a focus leading into the Shield challenge.
"I think in that first 20 minutes we had just under a 100 carries of the ball, so we had all the possession but we were definitely left short on the scoreboard.
"This week has been about creating those opportunities and more so about that finish.’
"I’ve no doubt Hawke’s Bay will be better, so there will be less opportunities for us. It’s important we finish the ones we get."
Hawke’s Bay started slowly in their 41-32 win against North Harbour. But they owned the last 20 minutes of the game.
"It is Ranfurly Shield game. They will grow another arm and a leg from that game last week.
"They’ve got great players throughout their squad, so it will be a big challenge.
"They’ve got a back three which are pretty dangerous and, obviously, a pretty decent halfback in [Folau] Fakatava."
Hawke’s Bay lock Isaia Walker-Leawere is one of five All Blacks released to play in the NPC this weekend.
