That is the lesson Otago has learnt during the past six season. The Volts have built an impressive record in one-day cricket. They made the semifinal in 2005-06 and then reached the next three finals, winning the title in 2007-08.
But as much as the team has pulled together, its fate has often rested on one performance. In 2005-06 Central Districts batsman Ross Taylor blazed 114 from 117 deliveries to knock Otago out. The following year Auckland's Chris Martin took three wickets for seven runs on a green top at the University Oval to help his side claim the title.
Otago took its revenge the next season when Brendon McCullum's astonishing innings of 170 helped end a 20-year drought for the Volts.
It was experienced Northern Districts new ball bowler Graeme Aldridge's turn the next summer, when he seized the day with five for 39.
"You don't win these games by playing conservatively. You win these games by one or two players being special on the day," Otago coach Mike Hesson acknowledged.
"We've got 11 guys who want to be that person," he added.
But then, so does Auckland. Both teams have their share of talent. Auckland boasts an impressive seam attack with the likes of Chris Martin, Daryl Tuffey and Andre Adams all capable of a match-winning performance.
Lou Vincent remains the biggest threat with the bat. The former international has been in imperious form when set, blasting two 100s and 50. He has had his share of failures as well, but when he fires he sets Auckland up for big score.
Former Otago wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins is also dangerous. He has scored 363 runs at an average of 45.37, including one century and two 50s.
Otago will look to the usual suspects. Neil Broom has notched up two hundreds and is averaging close to 50. Craig Cumming has a mountain of experience and how he marshals the troops could be a telling factor, and opener Aaron Redmond is due a score.
Neil Wagner has taken 10 wickets and left-arm spinner Nick Beard is a key player during the middle overs, when teams look to restrict the opposition's scoring options.
Of course, there is no script which dictates the hero must come from one of the more established players.
On Sunday, unlikely star Darren Broom combined in a match-winning partnership with Derek de Boorder.
"That is the whole strength of our side," Hesson explained.
"I think that showed the other day with two guys, who you possibly might not have thought would have the X-factor, came through and won it for us.
"We like to think we have 11 guys who can turn a game."
Otago has stuck with the same group of 13 players and will probably the field the same playing XI which had a nine-run win (Duckworth-Lewis method) against Northern Districts in Queenstown, and Auckland has resisted making any changes to the side which lost to Canterbury by 41 runs.
"We didn't step up when we needed to on Sunday and the guys know that," Auckland coach Paul Strang said.
"But we've now got an opportunity to immediately remedy that and bank a finals spot at the same time, so there's plenty of motivation"
The teams have met twice this season. Otago beat Auckland by two wickets in Oamaru and Auckland won the return match by seven wickets.
The forecast is for periods of rain, clearing in the afternoon and a southerly change. If the game is abandoned without a result, Auckland will progress to the final, where a red-hot Canterbury side awaits.
