Facing Canterbury at the best of times is never easy.
But throw in a run of wretched form, some personnel not playing to the best of their ability, and Otago is up a certain waterway without a certain implement.
Although the task is tough, it is 15 players against 15 players.
The opponent is in good form but is not invincible.
Canterbury has lost to Tasman and Taranaki already this season, and does lack experience in key areas.
But to win Otago must play much better than in previous weeks.
This one is almost less about points on the competition ladder and more about pride and individual players showing they should be at this level.
Otago coach Phil Mooney said Canterbury was obviously a talented side and his team needed to be on the ball all game.
"The one thing that you know when you play Canterbury is you are going to be tested right across the park.
"Your defence has to be good and first-up tackles have to be made," Mooney said.
"We've also got to be a bit better in the contact area."
Mooney has tweaked his side, bringing in Chris Noakes to first five-eighth and moving Glenn Dickson out to the midfield.
Dickson will have his hands full, marking the likes of Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty, but Mooney warned Otago would be foolish to concentrate on one player.
"It's a bit of a tired old cliche but it is true. Someone else will hurt you if you just try to zero on one player."
Mooney said getting territory and scoring points when they came on offer was vital for his side.
"Last week against Bay of Plenty was disappointing, as every time we got down in their territory in the first half we scored points.
"But we just couldn't get down there often enough. I think they had about 70% of the territory and just used it well."
Mooney said Otago must kick the ball out well over the touchline, therefore cutting out the option of the quick lineout.
"It's a massive game for us. Canterbury are a top team, it is a derby game, so we have plenty to play for."
Big games are needed from the likes of blindside flanker Hoani Matenga and lock Hayden Triggs and the Otago set pieces have to be better than last week.
To make it harder for Otago, injured flanker Adam Thomson and Delhi bound fullback Ben Smith, the team's best two players, will sit this one out.
Props Halani Aulika and Kees Meeuws have switched sides today after experimenting with Meeuws playing on the tighthead side last week.
Aulika has got around the field this season and this is the sort of game in which he needs to show his abilities.
Dickson will start off as goal kicker.
The match will be refereed by former Chiefs and Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Glen Jackson.
He has been officiating in the Heartland Championship and took control of the match between South Canterbury and King Country last Saturday.
This will be his first match at ITM Cup level.
A schoolboy game will precede the main game to mark 100 years of Maori rugby.
Otago v Canterbury
Carisbrook, tomorrow, 5.30pm
Referee: Glen Jackson (Bay of Plenty)
TAB odds: Otago $5, Canterbury $1.12
Otago: Chris Small, Joe Hill, Josh Tatupu, Glenn Dickson, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Charlie O'Connell, Alando Soakai (captain), Hoani Matenga, Hayden Triggs, Josh Townsend, Halani Aulika, Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws.
Reserves: Wyatt McKay, Sam Hibbard, Paul Grant, Brad Cameron, Johnny Legg, Paula Kinikinilau, Ryan Shortland.
Canterbury: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Luke Romano, Andrew Olorenshaw, Steve Fualau, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Rodney Ah You, Rob Verbakel, Ash Parker, Willi Heinz, Sam Monaghan, Robbie Fruean.
