The ITM Cup is just around the corner - next week, in fact - and Otago will have to improve on its previous two outings.
The blue and golds have ventured inland for some Central Otago sun but have instead been exposed to a breezy southerly front in their camp over the past two days.
That front is expected to ease sometime today but it is bound to be cold and blustery in what is a rare game for Otago in Alexandra.
Last week, in its 31-25 loss to Tasman, Otago was lacking in accuracy and gave the ball away too often. Its set piece misfired and there was a lack of crispness about its play.
It will need to be a whole lot better for the ITM Cup and with the first game - against North Harbour - just eight days away, it will have to make rapid progress.
The inclusion of four Super rugby players - hooker Liam Coltman, lock Tom Franklin, first five-eighth Hayden Parker and fullback Trent Renata - will add some quality to the Otago side and hopefully lessen the mistakes.
Otago coach Tony Brown said the camp was a good way to get the side away together and switched on to the upcoming season.
The Tasman loss had provided some good lessons regarding what was expected at the first-class level.
''We did not execute well in our attack and that let ourselves down. But all in all, it was a good hit-out for us and showed the boys what has to be done,'' he said.
''The game is a lot faster and that is what we have to get used to.''
Certainly, play at ITM Cup level is considerably different from club rugby, which most of the Otago side has been playing for the past four months. Players are bigger and stronger, and mistakes are capitalised on by the opposition far more.
Otago has named its strongest side, with captain Charlie O'Connell at No 8 and James Lentjes on the side of the scrum, coming off the back of a good 20 minutes against Tasman.
Franklin should add some steel to a tight five, while Parker's direction will be useful.
Renata is a classy footballer and makes the right decision most times which is a more than useful attribute at this level.
Otago may lack some pace in the backs and will miss the spark of the retired Buxton Popoali'i, but teamwork and endeavour are keys at this level, and Brown's team has not lacked those in recent seasons.
Otago needs to be solid at the set piece and eliminate sloppiness from its play today in a fixture which is not a first-class game.
Southland has had its own camp at Colac Bay this week and has put most of its stars on the bench. They are bound to come into the match into the second half, and will give some muscle to the Southland side.
Otago v Southland, Alexandra, today, 2.30pm
Otago: Trent Renata, Jayden Spence, Michael Collins, Tei Walden, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Hayden Parker, Josh Renton, Charlie O'Connell (captain), James Lentjes, Lee Allan, Tom Franklin, Joe Latta, Hisa Sasagi, Lima Coltman, Aki Seuili. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather Donald Brighouse, Jackson Hemopo, Hugh Blake, Nick Ealey, Peter Breen, Kieran Moffat, Mike Mata'afa, Naulia Dawai, Josh Dickson, Matt Faddes, Marshall Suckling, Tony Ensor.
Southland: Mark Jackman, Lolo Loco, Cardiff Vaeaga, Willis Halaholo, Keanu Kahukura, Jamie Verran, Tayler Adams, Bill Fukofuka, Alex Taylor, Brenton Howden, Mike Stewart, Craig Smith, Morgan Mitchell, Tua Tuapati, Tony Keresoma. Reserves: Jamie Mackintosh, Jason Rutledge, Michael Fatialofa, JP Koen, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Boys, Elliot Dixon, Dillon Halaholo, Junior Ngaluafe, Otulea Katoa, Warrick Lynn, Lima Sopoaga, Scott Eade, Bryan Milne.
Referee: Garratt Williamson
