This one is about pride, about playing for the symbol on the left breast.
It would be a severe understatement to say Otago was average against Hawkes Bay last week, bringing about questions of desire and commitment.
How the Otago players bounce back tonight against a controlled and quality Bay of Plenty team could define their season.
Play poorly, with no passion, and the side will be firmly ensconced in the dog house.
But come out with aggression, and secure some point-scoring opportunities, and the season will still be alive.
The team has left no stone unturned in trying to put last week's performance behind it, bringing some new voices into the mix.
Otago stalwarts David Latta and Wayne Graham have both spoken to the team about what it means to play for the province, while Highlanders coach Glenn Moore took a training.
Otago captain Alando Soakai said hearing new voices was a welcome difference and brought out the realities for the players.
"Dave put in his input and spoke about what Otago rugby is about. He's pretty honest about what he says. Grizz [Graham] also spoke about the pride needed in playing for the province," Soakai said.
"With Glenn it is good to hear a different voice. The guys have really trained hard this week."
Soakai said the past was the past and the team wanted to get back on its home ground, in front of its home fans, and put on a good performance.
"We've spoken about last week but the focus for us is on the next five games."
Soakai said the key to this week was winning the breakdown area, and kicking goals.
Otago will have to be strong and show plenty of fight at the breakdown, while its backs desperately need to create more opportunities and find some space.
There has been some honesty calls among the team this week, with coach Steve Martin saying the players in the side want to take some accountability for their actions.
Martin has made a big call in bringing back Charlie Hore into the midfield and, if Hore can show some guidance to those around him, then Otago will have made strides already.
All up, Otago has made seven changes, with a new front row and lock Tom Donnelly coming back into the pack after his All Black debut.
It is disappointing fellow All Black Adam Thomson preferred to have a break instead of fronting for Otago but his replacement, Eben Joubert, was one of few to be able to hold his head high after last week's effort.
Glenn Dickson gets another chance at first five-eighth and he needs to bring out his prodigious boot to good effect against a Bay of Plenty side which is not flashy but just gets the job done.
The visiting side has yet to score a four-try bonus point in six victories this season, and relies on the axis of No 8 and captain Colin Bourke, halfback Junior Poluleuligaga and first five-eighth Mike Delany.
Otago must attempt to close those players down, or at least lessen their impact, and play its own game.
For its season, the union, and its supporters, Otago must simply put on a gutsy effort tonight.
Any less will be bitterly disappointing.
Arrowtown club stalwart Simon Spark will be honoured as club legend at Carisbrook tonight.
• OTAGO V BAY OF PLENTY,
Carisbrook, tonight, 7.35pm
TAB odds: Bay of Plenty $1.65, Otago $2.15
Referee: Matt Stanish (Auckland)
Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Charlie Hore, Ryan Shortland, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Keith Cameron, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, James Kenny, Michael Witt, Andrew Parata.
Bay of Plenty: Toby Arnold, Nigel Hunt, Wayne Hughson, Phil Burleigh, Jason Hona, Mike Delany, Junior Poluleuligaga, Colin Bourke (captain) Luke Braid, Zac Hohneck, Culum Retallick, Mark Burman, James McGougan, John Pareanga, Joe Savage.
Reserves: Dean Elmiger, Josh Hohneck, John Moore, Matt Henwood, Ben Smith, Cory Aporo, Zar Lawrence.
