One imagines that first-up opponent Auckland City had balmier conditions in the winterless north, but as the clouds rolled back to reveal bright sunshine, coach Terry Phelan saw it as a sign.
"You work hard, and get your rewards," he said as tackles flew in at De Carle Park, where his players tried to stake a claim in tomorrow's starting XI.
However, the undeniable truth is that United needs several matches to hit top pace, and whereas in the past pre-season matches were arranged against the likes of Canterbury, preparation has been minimal this year.
Taking that into account, this weekend's match against an Auckland side which has won the NZFC title three times can be compared to jumping in the deep end.
Auckland has already had several pre-season games, culminating with an Oceania League match drawn 2-2 with Waitakere, although that game cost coach Colin Tuaa the services of Barcelona star Xavi Roca, who will be out for a month with a knee injury.
But Tuaa still has his new captain, Ivan Vicelich, recently returned from several years in Holland, and star striker Grant Young, with 48 NZFC goals to his credit.
Yet Auckland may be taking Otago lightly. Tuaa has included seven players who did not feature in Auckland's trophyless 2007-08 season.
Matt Friel and Matt Williams moved north from Waikato, while Nelson Sale and Alick Maemae are back with their former Manawatu mentor, and promising Central United striker Milosh Nikolic is promoted from Auckland's academy.
Auckland has won nine of the previous 12 encounters, while Otago has notched two wins and a draw against the champion side.
"It's a good fixture for us to begin with," Phelan said.
"They know nothing about us, and [they] expect to win. It's our job to make it difficult for them and maybe spring a surprise or two. Our squad this year is probably more balanced and experienced than it has been for a while, and I am pleased with the spirit in the camp.
"They have a laugh or two, but are still prepared to dig in the effort at training. I am sure we can improve on last year's seventh-place finish. This year we are aiming to get into the play-offs, and I feel that is achievable.
"We will have to work hard to contain Auckland. They are a good side and will take some breaking down. I will be looking for our team shape to be steady, and for us not to give the ball away cheaply. We aim to get more bodies forward this year, and hopefully goals will come."
Otago does have more choice this year in attack, with Aaron Burgess joined by David Dugdale, Blair Scoullar, Tom Jackson and possibly Sean Brand.
Andy Coburn is likely to drive the midfield, with new signing Barry Gardiner and Robbie Deeley buzzing at his elbow.
In front of Olympic keeper Liam Little, Phelan has a plethora of defenders, even without John Chisholm who is working to regain match fitness.
Colin Falvey will be the lynch pin, and around that fulcrum there are choices in Tim Horner, Rhys Henderson, Tristan Prattley and Mike Smith.
Otago United v Auckland City
Auckland, today, 3pm
Otago: Liam Little, Rys Henderson, Tristan Prattley, Barry Gardiner, Colin Falvey (captain), Michael Smith, Robbie Deeley, Blair Scoullar, Tom Jackson, David Dugdale, Andy Coburn, Aaron Burgess, Callum Flaws, Sean Brand, Tim Horner.
Auckland: Ross Nicholson, Nelson Sale, Matt Friel, Matt Williams, Ki-Hyung Lee, Chad Coombes, Paul Urlovic, Grant Young, Alick Maemae, Keryn Jordan, Ivan Vicelich (captain), Salesh Kumar, Riki van Steeden, Milosh Nikolic, Adam McGeorge, Jacob Spoonley.
