Strathconan Park in Fairlie has never seen anything like this.
Fierce rivals North Otago and South Canterbury will today meet in a clash of the titans that puts the "heartland" into Heartland Championship.
The Timaru stadium is undergoing redevelopment, so Meads Cup champion South Canterbury has home games in the outlying spots of Temuka, Waimate, Geraldine and Fairlie.
That adds an extra level of interest to what is always a spicy clash, given the history between the neighbouring unions and the fact the coveted Hanan Shield is at stake.
Add in the fact South Canterbury is simply carving up the Heartland Championship — the green and blacks are on an 18-game winning streak and looking close to invincible — and that North Otago is fresh off putting 71 points on Buller, and boom, stand by for action.
Old Golds coach Jason Forrest said this was going to be a fascinating test for his rebuilding team.
"We’ve got better within our young group, week by week, but Buller was a bit of a shock performance, to be honest.
"For us, this is a massive gauge of where this team is at.
"We’re going there to win, of course. We know we can win.
"But as long as we can put a performance on the field that we can be proud of, we will be happy enough. Because we are massive underdogs, and that’s fine."
Forrest said South Canterbury’s recent efforts demanded respect.
He credited former South Canterbury coach Barry "Rat" Matthews, now back with North Otago as an adviser, with starting the excellent work carried on by current coach — and former Old Golds coach — Nigel Walsh.
"Continuity in Heartland rugby is huge, and this is a side Ratty probably put together six or seven years ago.
"They are very good, very patient, big and physical. So we know we have to do everything well and stay in the fight for 80 minutes."
North Otago No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita had a banged-up elbow after the Buller game but was fine to play, Forrest said.
First five Josh Robertson-Weepu is back after a week off but on the bench, while Jake Matthews gets another chance to start.
Asesela Ravuvu gets his first start of the season, replacing Ben Paton on the right wing.
There is a surprise at centre, where former John McGlashan and Green Island representative Oli Knopp stands in for Jermaine Pepe.
Walsh, who gained valuable experience in North Otago before taking his beloved South Canterbury to the promised land, is enjoying life with the Heartland champion.
Winning 18 straight games was "pretty positive, obviously".
"We’ve been lucky enough to keep the base of this team together for a few years, and that certainly helps," Walsh said.
"There’s often a lot of changes in Heartland rugby, but we’ve managed to build a squad that we’ve been able to keep together, and we’re reaping the benefits of that.
"It’s about building a culture, and also confidence and the belief within the group.
"We’ve got a good bunch of players who are competing with each other, and that’s bringing the best out of them."
Walsh will always have a soft spot for the Old Golds, and he loves the derby.
"It’s always a hard game. South Canterbury v North Otago is always bloody hard.
"They’ve had two good wins, and scored some really nice tries, so we know it’s going to be tough and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.
"I think it’s sort of a line in the sand for both teams."
His players were relishing the opportunity to pay at the country grounds, Walsh said.
"We’re heading up to the high veldt in the Mackenzie country, and I’m sure those supporters up there will come out and create a great day."
Heartland Championship
Fairlie, today, 2.30pm
North Otago: Levi Emery, Asesela Ravuvu, Oli Knopp, Hayden Todd, Mone Samate, Jake Matthews, Mataitini Feke, Junior Fakatoufifita, Josh Reid, Seta Koroitamana, Josh Clark, Manulua Taiti, Rohan Wingham, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Sam Sturgess, Sione Palaa, Lisivani Tuifua, Ratu Logavatu, Angus Foster, Paea Fifita, Inoke Naufahu, Josh Robertson-Weepu.
South Canterbury: Liueli Simote, Lisiate Folau, Zach McKay, Paula Fifita, Kalavini Leatigaga, Sam Briggs, William Wright, Siu Kakala, Nick Strachan, Cam Russell, Solomone Lavaka, Anthony Amato, Tokomaata Fakatava, Conor Anderson, Vaka Taelega. Reserves: Melvin Pauni, Graison Dale, Garrett Casey, Henry Bryce, Loni Toumohuni, Sekope Maea, Zac Saunders, Ramuwai Sainivalat.
