It is Otago against Southland, the latest match in a rivalry which goes back 124 years, and a very significant game this season for both teams.
For Otago, any win over a team from the higher premiership is a bonus and will keep it in contention to make the championship final.
Southland, on the other hand, may have the Ranfurly Shield but it needs to get a few more wins as it languishes at the bottom of the premiership.
So motivation should not be a problem for the sides.
But although the mind is willing, the body may be some distance behind.
Both teams played on Wednesday and this will be their third game in a week. The legs are bound to be weary and the hits will be ever more sore.
So with both teams feeling the effects of hard games, the victor may be the side which makes the most of the chances which come along.
Otago fresh from a gutsy but unconvincing win over Counties-Manukau, has to get hold of the ball and need to get it into the hands of those who can make plays - the likes of Buxton Popoali'i, Ben Smith and Ben Atiga.
The two veterans in the Otago team, Tony Brown and Kees Meeuws, also need to come to the party and set the benchmark for the side.
Asked yesterday what their favourite memory of Carisbrook was, they were in unison.
"It would probably not be so much one game but the '98 season was pretty special and just the way we finished," Brown said.
"It's probably the best rugby I've been involved with in so far as a team goes ... everyone was in the zone and knew their roles."
Meeuws agreed, saying it was a pretty special time.
"That last part of the season we started getting a roll-on . It was just great running out on to the ground and seeing that embankment packed and everyone cheering for you," Meeuws said.
Although those packed terrace days are now gone, a decent-sized crowd today should do plenty to inspire Otago.
Southland has named near to a full strength side after resting a few of its key players midweek. A decision on who will start on the openside flank for Southland will be made today.
Adam Hill will take his place in the starting side for Otago, getting over a shoulder complaint. TJ Ioane, who is over a minor knee injury, is in the reserves.
Although he has stood out when on the field, the Otago coaches feel Ioane is better coming off the bench.
This should be the last time weather would have an impact on a big rugby game in Dunedin and predictably, showers are forecast to arrive in the afternoon.
Otago v Southland
- Carisbrook, today, 2.35pm
Referee: James McPhail (Wellington)
TAB odds: Otago $1.67, Southland $2.10
• Otago: Ben Smith, Joe Hill, Ben Atiga, Glenn Dickson, Buxton Popoali'i, Tony Brown, Sean Romans, Andrew Stead, Adam Hill, Gareth Evans, Tom Donnelly (captain), Daniel Ramsay, Kees Meeuws, Jason MacDonald, James McGougan.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Pieter van der Merwe, Scott Manson, Rob Verbakel, TJ Ioane, Johnny Legg, Hayden Parker, Jayden Spence.
• Southland: Robbie Robinson, Kade Poki, Kendrick Lynn, Matt Saunders, Glen Horton, James Wilson, Scot Cowan, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys or Tom Chamberlain, John Hardie, Alex Ryan, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: David Hall, Nic Barrett, Michael Peterson, Ben Nally, Boys or Chamberlain, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Scott Eade, Tim Cornforth.
