United coach Terry Phelan is one who believes success is brought about through 95% perspiration and just 5% inspiration.
He had his squad gushing sweat in the rare tropical Dunedin weather as soon as players arrived back from holiday, and the squad has trained almost every day this week.
Regarded as something of a double-edged sword, the mid-season break does allow injured players a chance to recover, but Phelan is concerned his team will lose its cutting edge.
"I think players should aim at a high level of fitness the whole year round. Even in winter, there could be a Wednesday session for Otago players and any others that are keen to try and maintain good technique and fitness," Phelan said.
Clearly, the break has given some players a chance to recover, and Blair Scoullar is back in contention with at least a seat on the bench for tomorrow's match.
Other mature players such as Aaron Burgess, Colin Falvey and Barry Gardiner who were carrying niggling injuries now look sharp and fresh.
However, centreback John Chisholm leaves a gap, due to suspension, and his move to Auckland for a new job places a question mark against his continued appearance for Otago.
Next week's transfer window opening could offer young Chisholm new alternatives, but Otago is unlikely to draft in any more replacements as the entire squad is now fit, although there is a doubt over Rhys Henderson, who pulled up at training.
Classy midfielder Stu Kelly could be a key element in Otago's thrust in the second half of the season and, if he can pull the strings for Burgess, David Dugdale and whippet Tom Jackson, then Otago might hit winning form.
Auckland coach Paul Posa is sure to get a round of applause from Dunedin fans who remember his playing days with Dunedin City, but a few teeth have been pulled by the popular dentist since those student days.
Otago desperately needs something from this game, which kicks off at 3pm.
United is at the bottom of the NZFC table, with an intimidating four-point gap up to Canterbury, and the red and blacks are in the sort of form which can widen that gap.
Erratic form by Auckland has produced just one win in its past five, which gives Otago some encouragement in grabbing some points.
Posa's third-placed star-studded Auckland side needs to start winning consistently if it is to challenge for the minor premiership and the automatic O-League spot that goes with it.
Auckland beat Otago 2-0 in the first game of the season and historically dominates the fixture, with Otago only winning twice in 14 encounters.
Otago is now a long shot at $40 to win the NZFC championship, while Auckland is paying $3.
Phelan, though, is not looking too far ahead.
"The bigger picture doesn't matter at the moment.
"We'll take these games one at a time, and I know if we produce our best form we can upset Auckland."
Otago v Auckland
Sunnyvale, tomorrow
Otago: Liam Little, Tristan Prattley, Barry Gardiner, Colin Falvey, Mike Smith, Robbie Deeley, Blair Scoullar, Tom Jackson, David Dugdale, Andy Coburn, Aaron Burgess, Callum Flaws, Morgan Day, Tim Horner, Tom Connor, Seamus Ryder, Stuart Kelly.
Auckland: Ross Nicholson, Matt Friel, Matt Williams, Ki-Hyung Lee, James Pritchett, Chad Coombes, Paul Urlovic, Jacob Spoonley, Alex Feneridis, Keryn Jordan, Ivan Vicelich (captain), Salesh Kumar, Greg Uhlmann, Riki van Steeden, Javier Roca Mateo, Liam Mulrooney.
