The former All Black captain, now the Counties-Manukau coach, said the side was ready and keen to get its shield season under way when Otago visits Pukekohe this Saturday.
Umaga will have everyone available for the match in what is shaping up to be a close game.
''To be honest we know that Otago will come with plenty of different scenarios to hit us with so we are going to have to be ready defensively,'' he said.
''They know how to score tries and we have just got to back ourselves all the way. They would have seen what the shield did for the province and want to get back there again.''
''They are going to feel a little bit aggrieved that they did not hold on to the shield for longer than they did. That is going to spur them on and we know what we are going to get.''
Umaga said his side should not lack for motivation, especially with the Log O' Wood up for grabs.
''It should not be very hard for them to get up for. Everywhere you walk in the community, the shield challenge is talked about and what it means to us and the people here.''
Umaga was in no doubt the feeling was the same in Otago so no stone will be left unturned on Saturday.
He said the Counties-Manukau side was getting older and wiser and that would be the key in the white-hot atmosphere of a shield challenge.
''Maturity is what really helps at this level and in these sort of games. We have got a lot of guys who started out as young players and who have now become Super rugby players and have matured a bit. They now know how to keep the pressure on. But we have still got certain ways and areas we need to improve.''
Counties-Manukau got its season started with a 9-9 draw with Taranaki in New Plymouth last Thursday night.
Umaga said he was not happy with the continuity or his side's attack in that match but gave credit to its defence. That was a good omen for the challenge this week.
Counties-Manukau will welcome back livewire outside back Tim Nanai-Williams this week, who missed last week's game because of the birth of his first child.
All other players are available as the side looks to knit together.
''One of the hardest things is the guys come back from all different Super rugby teams and have to learn our way again. They have lots of different calls for the same thing. Now they have to come back and learn our game plan.''
