Producing possibly the most elaborate curtain-raiser yet for an New Zealand Football Championship match, the Highlanders and the Chiefs play a pre-season rugby game at 2.30 pm, then the tall posts come down and round balls out as the two codes change over.
Otago United coach Malcolm Fleming's side has never beaten Hawkes Bay in Dunedin, and while victory could earn a third top spot in the NZFC, a loss could send Otago plummeting to second bottom.
Everything to play for then, Fleming said wryly as he read his injury list earlier this week.
Robbie Deeley has a broken toe, Nathan Knox is definitely out due to a hamstring injury and top scorer Dan Ede will also miss the match because of a work injury.
"Thankfully, we have been revising our squad in the transfer window and, provided the paperwork is completed, we have added defenders Mike Smith, Harley Rodeka and Ben Bright, plus fullback Rhys Henderson has resumed training," the Otago coach said.
Striker Dave Dugdale made an effective return from injury last week after several games off, and Fleming is confident he has the numbers and quality to test the Bay.
In recognition of recent form and undoubted potential, Otago's young left fullback, Tristan Prattley, was included in the most recent NZFC Team of the Month.
Otago is sixth, two points ahead of Hawkes Bay on the table, but there are five teams within four points of each other in the middle of the table, so victory is vital for either side.
"There is no need to stress just how important this game is to both sides, especially with recent upset results, and possibly the tightest league in years," Fleming said.
Otago will have to pay close attention to high-scoring Leon Birnie, who has scored six goals in eight matches, and the quicksilver attacking pace of Solomon Islander Andrew Abba.
After beating Waikato 3-0 last week, Bay coach Matt Chandler said the side was looking forward to maintaining its recent momentum, but recognised Otago was tough opposition on its own turf.
Otago United v Hawkes Bay
Today, 6pm, Carisbrook.
Otago United (from): James Waggett, Tristan Prattley, Mike Abbott, Tom Sadd, Stu Kelly, Ryan Faichnie, Dave Dugdale, Andy Coburn, James Reichwein, Brian Brown, Tom Connor, Morgan Day, Tim Horner (captain), Mike Still, James Watson, Rhys Henderson.
Hawkes Bay (from): Shaun Peta, Sam Halligan; Phil Clarke, Chris Greatholder, Matt Hastings, Leon Birnie, Joachim Rande, Andrew Abba, Sam Jacob, Willie Stanger, Marama Thompson, George Barbarouses, Andrew Bevin, Stuart Ferguson, Richard Gillespie, Fergus Neil.
