But beating a resurgent Southland side is not going to be easy.
It is going to take a lot of defensive resolve to beat the men from down south.
Otago might have notched up 50-plus points against Manawatu last week, and showed some real speed and skill on attack, but its defence was paper-thin at times and lacked any urgency.
Otago coach Tony Brown labelled it ''passive'' and he was right. Repeat that today and Otago will be on the wrong end of the scoreline.
The side had worked on its tackling this week but Brown said producing a good defence was as much about intensity as anything else.
''Our attack was fine but the intensity was a little bit down in defence. Just did not make enough contacts at the advantage line,'' he said.
''It really just comes down to preparation. Just bringing that physical edge to our game.''
Referee Kane McBride is bound to be more vigilant in the contact area than Glen Jackson was last week, so it is doubtful a similar feast of points will come today.
Throw in the fact that this is a local derby and the chance of 11 tries, like last week, is a long shot.
Otago sits fourth on the table, just one point behind Southland on the ITM Cup championship table, though Southland has played one more game.
A win by the home side today should get it well-ensconced in the top four.
Brown said it was a massive game for both Otago and Southland, and he was expecting plenty of heat from the Stags.
''Southland are always tough and with it being Jamie Mackintosh's 100th game they are going to come out firing. We are going to have to be switched on right from the start.
''But our guys really enjoy playing against Southland; love being in the stadium, in front of their home crowd.''
Otago will miss captain and No 8 Paul Grant, who is absent because of a leg injury.
''But we have put TJ [Ioane] in there and though it is something of a new role for him we have every confidence he will do well.''
Ioane has come off the bench in the majority of matches for Otago this season but will relish the start.
He will match up against Elliot Dixon in a battle of hard-charging men, and whoever comes out on top of that will have a big effect on the match.
Grant's calmness and his ability to tick off the small things will be missed, but Ioane will be primed and ready for 80 minutes.
Otago won the equivalent game last year on a dark Thursday night in Invercargill, so has the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy to retain.
Otago won the pre-season game 47-28 between the two teams in early August in Gore but that match has little relevance today.
What might decide the outcome is the ability of either side to convert chances and keep hold of possession. Derby games often come down to a couple of opportunities and who can hold their nerve. Whichever side remains calm in the heat of the battle should end on top.
Southland has been forced to make a change in its reserves with Nic Barrett picking up a hamstring injury at training and being replaced by Tuki Ramona.
Three key battles
Kieran Moffat v Cardiff Vaega
Both these players will not back down. Moffat will never challenge Usain Bolt in speed but he is a big bruiser who can make the advantage line with the ball. Vaega appears to be maturing this season and gives the Southland backline some impetus.
Gareth Evans v John Hardie
This is a bit of a benchmark game for Evans, who continues to make progress this season. The loose forward has been all over the paddock this season and made some key plays over the past few weeks. Hardie is well recovered from a knee injury which ruined the end of his Highlanders season. He is never far from the ball and will look to nab some key turnovers.
Liam Coltman v David Hall
The up-and-comer faces the old veteran. Coltman has really experienced a break-out year and is now the Otago captain. With plenty of energy and muscle, he will be all over the park. Hall will play his 99th game for Southland today and is accurate in everything he does. His experience in the heat of the battle will be vital.
Otago v Southland
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 2.35pm
Otago: Peter Breen, Buxton Popoali'i, Kieran Moffat, Jayden Spence, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, TJ Ioane, Hugh Blake, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Tom Donnelly, Scott Manson, Liam Coltman (captain), Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli, Charlie O'Connell, Lee Allan, Josh Renton, Tei Walden, Matt Faddes.
Southland: Robbie Robinson, Bryan Milne, Cardiff Vaega, Willis Haleholo, Gareth William-Spiers, Marty McKenzie, Scott Eade, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Michael Fatialofa, Josh Bekhuis, Juan Koen, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Talemaitoga Tuapati, Tuki Ramona, Hale T-Pole, Nauila Dawai, Tayler Adams, Calvary Fonoti, Tim Cornforth.
Referee: Kane McBride (Canterbury)
