Otago Spirit coach John Kyle knows his players have a good performance in them, and for the sake of their future he hopes it comes today.
The Spirit plays Manawatu in Palmerston North this afternoon, knowing nothing short of a win is needed to keep Otago in the running for the semifinals.
Otago started well with a win against Wellington, but has since dropped games to Hawkes Bay and Canterbury.
Manawatu had its first win last week, beating Wellington by a point, and this match looms as a virtual play-off for the semifinals.
Kyle is quietly confident the side will perform today, after failing to fire against Canterbury last Saturday when the red and blacks won by a 29-5 margin.
"This is really a must-win for us. We've certainly been preparing like it is our final. We need to play for the whole 80min this week not just 30 or 40min we have been playing," Kyle said.
Otago's tight five has not been outplayed so far this season, and Kyle expects plenty of ball.
But the loose forwards must improve and its backs need to react better to Manawatu's's kicking game.
Kyle has made a couple of changes in the outside backs, with Jenna Vaughan coming into the team at fullback and Jamie Greene starting on the right wing.
Victoria Nafatali will start at centre, replacing the injured Kelly Brazier.
Kyle said Otago side taken a long time to come together, but it was time to deliver.
Manawatu lost its first two games against Auckland and Canterbury.
It has a reasonable backline, with national sevens representatives Mallory Townsend and captain Selica Winiata providing plenty of pace.
Otago captain and hooker Beth Mallard will lock horns with fellow Black Fern and rake Ruth McKay.
