Otago needs a win over Southland after its gallant but unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington last week.
The close loss last week contained some positives for the team, but it needs a win to create some momentum in what is a lengthy season.
Otago coach Steve Martin has retained the bulk of his side from the Shield match, making just two changes to the starting fifteen.
Former New Zealand Warrior Ryan Shortland comes into the side on the left wing, replacing Fetu'u Vainikolo, and Martin said Shortland deserved the opportunity to show his skills.
Vainikolo is a shadow of the player who dazzled for Northland in the Air New Zealand Cup last year and he had a quiet game against Wellington last week.
Prop Kees Meeuws gets his first start in the Otago jersey since 2001, replacing Sam Hibbard, who was struggling with a calf injury earlier in the week.
He has recovered to take his place on the reserves bench and is likely to get a run at some stage tonight.
The match is bound to be a battle of territory and there will be plenty of kicking, at least early on.
Otago needs to win the battle up front then use the ball wisely, with talents such as winger Karne Hesketh and fullback Ben Smith hungry for attacking opportunities.
It will also have to make sure young Southland first five-eighth Robbie Robinson is put under pressure.
Martin said some members of the side had taken a couple of days to get over the disappointment of last week's loss, but were now excited to be back playing at home.
"Obviously, it is very important to us to play well on our home ground.
"Last week in Wellington the guys could hear the "Otago" chant at one stage, and hearing that sort of stuff really lifts them," Martin said.
"When the crowd gets behind the boys it really does help them."
Martin was expecting nothing less than a Southland side full of energy and enthusiasm.
"They traditionally lift a couple of notches when they come up here to play us and I would imagine they will be very hungry."
He said there was plenty of experience in the Southland side, which would have plenty of confidence after its 16-6 win over Waikato last week.
It may be early in the season but Martin suggested Highlanders places for next year were up for grabs.
"I can't speak for Glenn Moore but there are players up against other players out there that may come into Highlanders selection.
"Although it is pretty early in the season, players want to be exposed against others."
Martin said the match between the two teams just two weeks ago would have little bearing on the match.
Southland won a dreary encounter 19-14.
"There was an intensity in that game and that will definitely be part of the game tonight. But there was not much else you could read into it."
Southland notched its first win at Carisbrook in 30 years two years ago, and coach David Henderson has talked of wanting to improve that record.
Prop Ben Nolan will play his 15th and blazer game for Otago tonight.
• Otago v Southland
Carisbrook, tonight, 7.35pm
TAB odds: Otago $1.60, Southland $2.25
Referee: Josh Noonan (Canterbury)
Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Andrew Parata, Ryan Shortland, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Kees Meeuws, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Sam Hibbard, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, Johnny Legg, Glenn Dickson, Luke Herden.
Southland: Mark Wells, Pehi Te Whare, Kendrick Lynn, Jason Kawau, Matt Saunders, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Fai Mika, Dave Gannon, Tom Fleming, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Tony Koonwaiyou, Seminar Manu.
