It knows its set piece will be key as it prepares for its Farah Palmer Cup championship top-of-the-table match against Bay of Plenty at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
That comes on the back of a match in which it competed well, before being overpowered at scrum time in a 41-19 loss to Wellington.
The tight five has been a work-in-progress for the team, as several of its players fill the lower-numbered jerseys after playing elsewhere in club rugby.
However, it was an area the team had to compete in and coach Kane Jury said he felt it would be key in today’s game.
"For us it’s always going to be our set piece and we saw that last week as well," he said.
"So there’s no doubt in my mind that’s exactly what [Bay of Plenty is] going to attack.
"If they don’t attack that set piece, then they’re probably focusing on the wrong thing.
"So we’ve been working really hard at that. We’re not fooling ourselves that that’s not going to be an area that they’ll target.
"If we can make sure that we can be really competitive and stay in the fight at set piece time, or scrum time, if we can still incorporate our processes into the game, then we know we’ll be there or thereabouts come Saturday."
With two rounds to go, Otago is in second place on the table, eight points behind Bay of Plenty and six ahead of third-placed North Harbour.
Bay of Plenty has a bye next week though, meaning a win would give Otago every chance of nabbing the top spot heading into playoffs.
That was not lost on Jury, who hopes to secure a home semifinal.
"I think preparation this week’s been really good.
"[It’s a] top of the table clash, but I think what’s more important to us is to try to solidify a home semifinal spot as well.
"So not only does the game bring the intensity of a top-of-the-table clash, but there will be a couple of other things riding on the game as well.
"So it’ll be good to see the girls under the pump."
Bay of Plenty liked to move the ball, and had some speed across the park and dynamic ball carriers in its forwards.
Playing under the roof would likely suit it, although it also suited the up-tempo, open game Otago liked to play.
The side remains similar to last week’s, although its three schoolgirls, Cheyenne Cunningham, Isla Pringle and Gemma Millar, return on the bench.
All three had been playing in the South Island secondary schools girls tournament this week.
The game kicks off at 12.05pm and is the curtain raiser to the Otago Mitre 10 Cup team’s match against Bay of Plenty.