Otago will struggle to win the Lois Muir trophy but it can spoil the party for Auckland-Waitakere when the sides meet in Auckland today.
Otago made a slow start to the tournament with loses to Canterbury and Western, but bounced back with wins against Counties Manukau, Cook Strait, Southland and won by default against North.
It is on 17 points with three games in hand and retains a mathematical chance of winning the tournament. But both Auckland-Waitakere (24) and Western (24) are undefeated and will probably battle for the spoils this weekend.
The teams play each other on Sunday but Otago can do Western a favour by upsetting the home side on Saturday afternoon.
While the opportunity to snatch the title has basically slipped away, coach Georgie Salter said the side would not lack for motivation.
"Basically, our job is to get as many players as we can named in national squads," Salter said.
Otago will look to former Silver Ferns shooter Jodi Brown to spearhead the attack alongside Greir Campbell.
Newcomer Storm Purvis has made a big impression at goal defence this season and experienced defender Louise Thayer has enhanced her reputation.
Midcouter Shannon Francois has also stood out with some quality performances.
Otago plays Bay of Plenty this morning, Auckland-Waitakere this afternoon and completes its campaign against Waikato tomorrow morning.
