Otago will get a good gauge on its form when it plays Tasman in Nelson today in its third pre-season match.
With the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington on July 31 on the horizon, this match is vital for Otago.
Otago has put up a couple of big scores against North Otago and Mid Canterbury, but Tasman will be a different kettle of fish, with the team from the top of the South Island fielding an array of Super 14 talent.
Last year, it finished above Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup, losing to Canterbury in the quarterfinals.
The importance of the match is not lost on Otago coach Steve Martin.
He said the first two matches had served their purpose and the side had shown good structure and scored some good tries in putting on 164 points and conceding just three.
But there were bound to be fewer gaps today, Martin acknowledged.
"There will be a step up in intensity from where we have been playing and that is what we want from out of this game," Martin said.
"There is a real sense of excitement building in the side on what we want to achieve this year. The guys have been working really hard and latched on to what we are aiming for."
Nothing breeds confidence more than success and a win for Otago today will add spring to its step.
The addition of experienced prop Kees Meeuws has also raised spirits in the Otago camp.
Tasman may have the home advantage but it has yet to play a game, although the side has just finished a week-long camp.
The side had some drama last year, and at one stage looked to be out of existence for this year's competition.
But it survived and coaches Bevan Cadwallader and Kieran Keane can still call on 19 players from last year.
They have continued with former Otago B player Andrew Goodman as captain of the side.
The major losses from last year are first five-eighth Miah Nikora, who has gone to Ireland, and prop Ben May, who has transferred to Waikato.
Former Manawatu first five-eighth Matty James has moved to the union, as has Waikato winger James Kamana.
Otago vs Tasman
Nelson, today, noon
Otago: Glenn Dickson, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Luke Herden, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Johnny Legg, Steven Setephano (captain), Eben Joubert, Hoani Matenga, Seko Kalou, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws, Tom Donnelly, Paul Grant, Alando Soakai, James Kenny, Michael Witt, Andrew Parata, Aaron Bancroft.
Tasman: Robbie Malneck, James Kamana, Kade Poki, Andrew Goodman, Afeleki Pelenise, Matty James, Kahn Fotuali'i, Mark Bright, Jonathan Poff, Daniel Hyatt, Joe Wheeler, Anthony Elisala, Sakaria Taulafo, Daniel Perrin, Tristan Moran.
Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Hamish Cochrane, James Foster, Alex Ainley, Glen Gregory, Zane Winslade, Daniel Crichton, Shaun Begg, James Marshall, Blair Cook, Sione Holani, Ammon Matuauto, Mike Pehi.
