The Volts have slumped to four consecutive first-class defeats and there has been considerable angst about the form of the top order.
Rob Nicol, in particular, has had a very lean patch. The captain has scored just 90 runs at an average of 10.
But the chance to pull on the coloured clothing and start with a clean slate has been invigorating for the camp.
"It has come at a good time for the squad," Volts coach Rob Walter said.
"But in the last two weeks there has been a hell of a lot to be excited about in terms of the performances of individuals in the team despite not being able to close out [the past] two four-day games.
"The key is to really focus on the positives.
"We’ve seen Jacob Duffy taking back-to-back five-wicket bags. Derek [de Boorder] got a hundred.
"There has been things happening. Hamish [Rutherford] found some form, scoring a lot of runs in the last few weeks.
"For me there is a lot of individual stuff the guys can be proud of and we can take some momentum into the one-day format."
The change in formats will come as a relief for Nicol as well. He will be hoping to hit himself into form.
"Obviously, Rob has struggled in the Plunket Shield but I think the key is this is a different format and it is an opportunity for him to express himself — to come out and play nice and aggressively.
"He has done that for New Zealand and been successful for them. I’m sure he will find comfort in that.‘‘Rob will find form for this team and his role as a leader has been hugely important.
"I’d rather look at that than how few runs he has scored.
"And I think this group of players is probably suited more to the 50-over format. They have found success in that format and they’ve also played for their country in that format. I’m looking forward to it."
Most of the hype leading into the game has centred around whether suspended English all-rounder Ben Stokes would play. Canterbury’s team was unavailable yesterday but the association has signed him on a short-term contract and it is hard to imagine he will sit on the sideline.
Earlier in the week, Walter told the Otago Daily Times getting to play against players of Stokes’ ability was exciting for the team and hopefully it would bring out the best in his players.
The Volts have named a team missing Brad Wilson, Mark Craig, Nathan Smith and Michael Rae, who played in the Plunket Shield loss to Northern Districts.
Neil Broom and Jimmy Neesham return to the squad following New Zealand A duty, while fast bowler Warren Barnes and Jack Hunter get an opportunity.
Otago v Canterbury
Domestic one-day tournament
Rangiora, tomorrow, 11am
Otago: Hamish Rutherford, Rob Nicol, Neil Broom, Anaru Kitchen, Jimmy Neesham, Derek de Boorder, Shaun Hicks, Michael Rippon, Jacob Duffy, Warren Barnes, Matthew Bacon, Jack Hunter.
Canterbury: Unavailable.
