The side will host its first challenge of the season - and its first in 26 years - against Mid Canterbury at Queens Park. It will seek to emulate its teams of the mid-1970s and early 1990s, when 14 and 15 challenges were resisted.
It is nearly 11 months since Southland claimed the Hawke Cup from Counties-Manukau in Auckland.
Southland Cricket Association general manager - and player - Jason Domigan said the response to the win showed the weight the cup still held.
Its history in the region was well-known and he said that could have an impact on today's team.
"It does add inspiration and sometimes a little bit of pressure, our heritage around the Hawke Cup.
"But we're realistic about where we are.
"We know we're going to have to play pretty well to keep the cup here for this season and we're up for the challenge."
The region had been trying to connect young people with the cup, giving them an avenue into the game.
Domigan said many cricket followers become hooked as youngsters, something they were looking to encourage with the next generation.
The team itself is looking strong. Most of last year's players have returned.
Among the notable names is 18-year-old spinner Ben Lockrose, one of the South's most promising youngsters.
He has made appearances for Otago across all three formats and also played for New Zealand under-19 last year.
Southland batsman Harsh Visavadiya will bring the confidence of having scored 223 against North Otago in December.
Mid Canterbury had been something of a surprise in getting a challenge, as it finished at the bottom of the zone last year.
Domigan said Southland was expecting a tough match. Mid Canterbury possessed a good young seam attack and an experienced batting line-up.
The pitch looks to be a good one for the batsmen, but it may be hard work for the bowlers.
Putting plenty of runs on the board will be key, something Southland has done well during its zone matches this season.
The match begins today and concludes on Sunday.
The teams
Southland: Shaun Fitzgibbon (c), Jason Domigan, Venkat Kotte, Ben Lockrose, Jared Mckenzie, Jack Mockford, James Ng, Jason Osborne, Amarpreet Singh, Hamish Skelt, Danyn Stewart, Harsh Visavadiya.
Mid Canterbury: Matt Winter (c), Nick Gilbert, William Southby, Des Kruger, James Southby, Archie Redfern, Matt Tait, Alex Hooper, Richard Turple, Shaun Stagg, Jay Houston, Deon Biggs.
