Otago has it all to play for when it challenges Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield in Christchurch this afternoon - not just that Log o' Wood but vital Air New Zealand Cup points.
It is only the second time Otago has had two challenges in a year - 1921 was the other when it lost to Southland and then Wellington - and coach Steve Martin said Otago was fully aware of what needed to be done.
It has learnt from the failed challenge six weeks ago against Wellington, when it led for 60 minutes of the match but blew a couple of chances and let Wellington back into the game.
Individual lapses have plagued Otago throughout the season, and must stop if the visiting side is to have any chance this afternoon.
"We've got to keep on attacking for the whole game. But for a period of eight minutes when we let in two tries we had that game [against Wellington]. But that has taught the guys they have to concentrate for the whole entire 80 minutes," Martin said.
Players were working on eliminating mistakes.
"Players do sit down and look at the tape on what they have done and work on the skills to try and hopefully stop that happening again."
This challenge has somewhat flown under the radar for Otago, the 21st attempt by the side to win the shield since losing it in 1957.
There was plenty of focus on the challenge against Wellington but minds were concentrated on the Auckland game last Sunday before thoughts switched to the Shield this week.
"History for young people probably isn't as important as it is for us. They live more for the here and now. But they have the chance to achieve something special for the union."
Martin said the shield would just add some fire to what is already a big game, and it is a vital encounter for Otago to remain in contention for the top four in the competition.
"We are looking at the game first and how we can improve from the performance from last week. If the result comes then the shield will be a great bonus on top of the win."
Martin said most shield games were close and the match two weeks ago, when Canterbury took the shield from Wellington in a 30-point hiding, was a rarity.
He was expecting plenty of confrontation at the breakdown and a Canterbury side which would be keen to play territory and kick the ball out of its own half.
Martin wants more consistency from the referee at the breakdown, and hopes whistle-blower Chris Pollock is not slow to get players out of the wrong side of the ruck.
Otago will undoubtedly miss forwards Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly, but Canterbury is in the same boat, without the likes of fullback Colin Slade and prop Wyatt Crockett away on national duty, not to mention Brad Thorn, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
Eben Jourbet and Hoani Matenga have big shoes to fill in the absence of Thomson and Donnelly, and Joubert must run himself to a standstill in foraging for the loose ball.
The visiting side simply must play above itself if it wants to be competitive against a Canterbury side which will not want to embarrass itself by losing in its first defence.
Otago B plays Canterbury B in the curtain-raiser today, kicking off at 2pm.
Otago v Canterbury
Christchurch, today, 4.35pmTAB odds: Canterbury $1.25, Otago $3.75.
Referee: Chris Pollock (Wellington)
Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Aaron Bancroft, Ryan Shortland, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Hayden Triggs, Hoani Matenga, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Kees Meeuws.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Keith Cameron, Seko Kalou, Paul Grant, Fraser Lau, Michael Witt, Fetu'u Vainikolo.
Canterbury: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Tim Bateman, Ryan Crotty, James Paterson, Stephen Brett, Tyson Keats, Ash Parker, George Whitelock (captain), Michael Paterson, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Peter Borlase, Ti'i Paulo, Andrew Olorenshaw.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Rodney Ah You, Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, Andy Ellis, Casey Laulala, Adam Whitelock.
