With the advent of professional rugby and a nationwide academy system, Otago is being forced to look to its own for performances on the paddock.
And in Ben Smith, Paul Grant and Glenn Dickson it has unearthed some talent for the future.
Otago over the years has been a haven for young players from throughout New Zealand, attracted here by the university lifestyle and a desire to improve their rugby.
The title-winning 1998 side is an obvious example.
Just three of the starting XV were educated in Otago: Byron Kelleher, Tony Brown and John Blaikie.
But that well is drying up and more effort is being made to develop players from within the province.
Smith (23), Dickson (22) and Grant (21) have all had impressive seasons for Otago this year, with Smith especially revelling in his new role at fullback.
All three played against, or with, each other, first while playing for Otago secondary schools - Grant went to South Otago High, while the other two went to Kings - and then later in the wider Otago rugby scene.
Smith said he had always aimed to play for Otago.
"I'd grown up wanting to play for Otago and seen all these great teams when I was growing up."
Dickson, a first five-eighth, said it was a huge honour to play for Otago, and show some pride in the jersey.
His father and grandfather both played for Otago.
Grant (21), a No 8, is the youngest player in the Otago squad and has already played a full season for the New Zealand sevens side.
His family drives up from Balclutha every week for the game.
He had a top match in the side's good win over Bay of Plenty last week.
All are studying physical education at the University of Otago - though Dickson has taken this semester off, wanting to have a break, while Grant and Smith will not finish their degrees this year because of rugby commitments.
Otago coach Steve Martin said it was great to see some good young players coming through the Otago system.
In last week's squad to face Bay of Plenty, nine of the 22 players were originally from Otago, which was the highest for many years.
"We have to show faith in these guys and develop them. Maybe in the past we've been too hasty in going outside the province in getting guys in," Martin said.
"These guys, and others, are the future of Otago rugby."
