The game at Kettle Park honours the memory of University A stalwart Jonathan Keogh, who died in a motor accident in 2006.
''We talked about it at training this week to give our new boys an understanding of who Jonathan was and how many games he played for the club,'' coach John Hyde said.
Hyde knew Keogh, and the older members of the University A side understand the significance of the game.
University A won the inaugural game in 2009 but Dunedin holds the trophy after beating the students 30-13 last year.
Hyde knows the game will bring back memories and be a difficult time for the Keogh family.
''We want to honour Jonathan and the family by playing our best and giving the respect that the trophy deserves,'' he said.
''It's a big game for us and we want the trophy back in our cabinet.''
It is a critical point in the season for University A, which is fourth on 32 points in the Gallaway Trophy competition. Alhambra-Union (31) and Kaikorai (27) are too close for comfort.
''We can't afford to let the occasion get the better of us. We want the win and the icing on the cake will be the competition points.
''The competition is wide open for the third and fourth spots in the semifinals.''
Over the past few years, the students have come with a late rush to make the semifinals.
''We always get guys taken away for university rep games,'' Hyde said.
''Lock Josh Dickson has been selected in the New Zealand under-20 team. That is great and what we like to see in the club.
''We have to cope with that and injuries to key players. We hope to get some of those guys back during the second round.''
Key players in the University backline will be centre Matt Faddes, who has scored eight tries this season, and winger Gavin Stark who has scored six.
Dynamic No 8 Sione Teu, flanker Jack Wolfreys, hooker Sam Sturgess and prop Tama Tuirirangi are the key forwards.
Dunedin won the first-round game 48-25 but the Sharks were well beaten by Taieri last week, so the odds possibly favour the students.
Keogh, an accountant, had returned to Dunedin to visit his family for Mother's Day and was killed when driving back to Christchurch in 2006. He was aged 28.
Keogh played his 100th premier match for Otago University in 2005 and, at that time, was one of only 11 players who reached this milestone. He was a hard-working hooker.
Keogh grew up in Dunedin, was educated at Kavanagh College and was a commerce graduate from the University of Otago.
He started his premier rugby career for University B in 1999 and played seven years of premier rugby, including six years as hooker for University A. He won four premier titles for University A in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004.
University plays Alhambra-Union for the women's HLP Cup at the University Oval tomorrow.
The HLP Cup is named after three players who have had a huge influence on women's rugby in Otago: Nanette Haua, Helen Littleworth and Farah Palmer. University was the inaugural winner last year when it beat Alhambra-Union 25-13.