The Lions and the Highlanders go into battle this weekend. The sides actually have quite a bit in common, both in history and efforts on the field. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the similarities of the sides.
In from the cold
No-one loved them and every week the side seemed to face questions over its future from those in other centres.
It was the last-placed team in the competition for too many seasons.
But over the past five years the Highlanders have become more popular, started winning games and then finally bagged the title last year.
The Lions were the poor cousins to the nearby Bulls and, in 2013, were not even in the competition as the Kings had one season in their place.
But the side came back in 2014 and did well last year, ending up eighth, just two places out of the playoffs.
They have built on that to grab second place this year and dismantled the Crusaders last week.
No-name forward pack
The tight forwards of the Lions and the Highlanders do not exactly drip with glamour.
But they get the job done.
Josh Hohneck, Dylan Smith, Malcolm Marx, Julian Redelinghuys, Ash Dixon, Alex Ainley ... the list goes on.
Hardly marquee players but workhorses all the same.
Nothing beats a hard worker in the engine room.
All and all, there are three internationals among the more than two dozen tight forwards in the two sides.
But that does not mean they have zero ability.
These guys just become buried in the tight stuff and get into the grind.
Men on the sideline
The teams are guided by two men who both played the game in a tough, physical manner.
Jamie Joseph was a rugged forward for Otago who never gave in and had steely determination. He moved into coaching with some success.
Lions coach Johan Ackerman played as a lock-loose forward, like Joseph, for many, many years and was the oldest Springbok - at 37 - when he played in 2007.
Started off as Lions forward coach under John Mitchell but once big Mitch went on another journey he came into the main role.
Both men are 46 and have the ability to get the best out of their teams.
Insides
The Lions have a nippy halfback and a composed, controlled first five-eighth.
The Highlanders have a short, energetic halfback and a cool customer in the No10 jersey.
Lions halfback Faf de Klerk is a quick, elusive player who looks to get around players and in behind defences.
Outside him, Elton Jantjies has an educated boot and has good vision in front of him.
Much of the play of the Highlanders goes through their No9 and No10.
Aaron Smith is a dynamic ball of fire while outside him Lima Sopoaga has matured into a quality operator.
No place like home
The sides have fantastic home bases.
Marvellous Ellis Park, with its steep seats and closeness to the ground.
It is not often full but one would think there should be a few there for a semifinal.
Back in Dunedin, the Highlanders play at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the covered venue which keeps out the elements and brings exciting, thrilling play.
