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Alhambra-Union is on the knife edge. It needs a win against Dunedin tomorrow to keep its spot in the top four.
Taieri and Southern are safely into the semifinals and third-placed University A has a four-point cushion over Alhambra-Union.
The four clubs with a chance of making the fourth spot are Alhambra-Union, Dunedin, Kaikorai and Harbour.
Taieri leads the Gallaway Trophy competition with 60 points, followed by Southern 52, University A 45, Alhambra-Union 41, Dunedin 39, Kaikorai and Harbour 37, Zingari-Richmond 23, Pirates 5, Green Island 1.
''It is a season-defining game for both teams,'' Alhambra-Union coach Marty Gray said.
''We are getting near the business end of the season and it will be the team that wins will be able to pursue a top-four spot.
''It doesn't mean that it is all over for the team that loses but the going gets harder and harder.
''Dunedin has everything to play for and so have we. I'm expecting a hell of a battle. I'm definitely not writing them off. They are a good team. We will have to be on our game if we want to come out with the points.''
Alhambra-Union has been plagued by injuries to its top players and it has also been affected by university exams over recent weeks.
But the good news for coach Gray is that four of his top players will be back this week. Ben Pereira is at No 8, Caleb Gray at halfback, Peter Breen at halfback and Tili Puloka in the midfield.
''Four of our top guys are back on the field and that means a lot to us,'' Gray said.
The Alhambra-Union forwards dominated the set pieces against Green Island but the backline lacked direction. The return of Breen will make a difference.
''Peter's a great leader of the team and a great player. We are looking to have him back running the show.''
Breen has missed the past three games but still leads the competition with 135 points.
Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman watched Alhambra-Union beat Green Island 24-7 at Miller Park last Saturday.
It is rumoured that Coltman, in camp with the All Blacks this week, would like to play for the club if he is not required by the national selectors.
''Liam is a great club guy and if he is released, he will play for us,'' Gray said.
''I haven't heard any word. But we would welcome him with open arms.''
The return of prop Scott Manson has given stability to the Alhambra-Union scrum, and lock Mike Colville made 14 clean takes in the lineout against Green Island.
In the first round, Dunedin won its first three games, against leading sides Taieri, University A and Southern. It has lost its first four games in the second round.
Dunedin will be boosted by Highlanders Trent Renata and Gareth Evans and Alhambra-Union by Jason Emery.
Dunedin and Alhambra-Union drew 9-9 in the first round.
After Breen, the leading scorers are Greg Dyer (Dunedin) 128, Cam Rutherford (Kaikorai) 116, Ben Patston (Southern) 111, Henry Parker (Taieri) 87 and Fletcher Smith (University A) 80.
The leading try-scorers are Lachie Moore (Zingari-Richmond) 11, Bryce Morgan (Kaikorai), Tei Walden (Southern), Kori Rupene (Taieri) and Gavin Stark (University A) 10, Matt Faddes (University A) 9.