Well, at least that is how former All Black prop Kees Meeuws sees it. Meeuws played 71 games for Otago and 47 for the Highlanders, so his is not the most neutral opinion you will ever read.
But he keeps a close eye on the domestic competition in his role as a commentator for Sky Sport, and believes Otago has been the form team in the Championship.
That said, North Harbour has mounted a solid campaign and its 40-37 win against Wellington in the semifinal was yet more evidence the Steve Jackson-coached side will present a stern challenge in the final.
``They've been a slow starter but each game they've got better and more confident in their style of play,'' Meeuws said.
``You can just see his [Steve Jackson's] influence coming out in the players. Their scrum has been one of the top in the competition and has allowed their backline to get front foot ball, which is what Otago have as well.''
Meeuws said the scrum shaped as an even battle but Otago may go into the fixture missing hooker Sam Anderson-Heather.
He picked up a calf strain during the semifinal win against Bay of Plenty on Friday night.
It is the only fresh injury concern in the camp. But with fellow hooker Liam Coltman named in the All Blacks and unavailable, Otago will be desperate to see Anderson-Heather take the field.
The match-up between first five-eighths Fletcher Smith (Otago) and Bryn Gatland is another key area which may decide the outcome of the game.
``I think the 10s are going to be crucial with the direction and the style of play they bring. The kicking and territory game is going to be huge.
``Fletcher Smith will need to be on his game this week with his kicking. We can't miss those points that he did on [Friday night].
``Also our back three will be crucial. Michael Collins is playing fantastic rugby at the moment.''
``His vision and his impact, when he sees an opportunity, has been phenomenal this year.''
Otago has also shown an enormous amount of tenacity on defence. Loose forward James Lentjes is the top tackler in the competition and Otago's tackle success rate is one of the reasons the team has made it through to the final.
Harbour has been impressive on defence as well which suggests the final may come down to one piece of brilliance or perhaps even goal-kicking.
History is on Otago's side. It has not lost to North Harbour since 2010 but that is not the kind of statistic which means much to Meeuws.
``That doesn't mean anything. It is finals rugby now and Otago just has to keep doing what it has been doing and keep playing well.
``[Otago coach] Cory Brown has the right mix. His players are expressing themselves rather than second guessing themselves and are playing some enjoyable rugby to watch.
``I'm pretty confident if they stick to what they do and start well in both the halves, they can come away with the win and a convincing win.''
