The moment to make history lies in front of 22 men fitted in blue and gold this afternoon.
It is Otago against Southland in Invercargill and the prized Ranfurly Shield is at stake. Games at provincial level do not come much bigger than this.
Otago is the underdog - there is no doubt about that. It will have to play well above itself, and it will have to play a truckload better than it did last week.
But it is a chance.
Otago can win the prized trophy this afternoon but it will take an almighty effort against a Southland side which appears to be moving smoothly into its work.
Southland has been a side on the rise and looks to have players who know they can lean on one another when the going gets tough.
The Stags have made the top four of the provincial competition over the last couple of years, and have clicked when it matters.
But that does not mean Otago has no hope, and one would think the players can not play as bad as they did in Pukekohe last week.
Perhaps an even bigger motivation than winning the Ranfurly Shield will be atoning for that dismal performance last weekend.
Nothing drives a human being more than trying to make up for a mistake, a forgettable effort, and Otago sure has some making up to do. Otago was awful last week and needs victory to regain some face - not just with its supporters, coaches and management but most importantly within the team.
Balls must be held, throw-ins must be accurate and, most importantly, the basics - which were so shocking last week - must be done efficiently.
Also in the year of the big split, where the top seven move next year to the premiership and the bottom seven to the championship, Otago needs to start winning games.
Realistically, it must win eight games this season to get in the top seven, and it is already down on the count with the season just one week old.
Another factor in this match is the rivalry.
Southern derbies have always been close games. Even when Otago was all power and pace more than 10 years ago, it always had a tough job travelling south and dispatching the neighbour.
It is like derbies all over the world - players give that little bit extra when against someone just across the boundary.
Otago must stay composed, be accurate and start well.
Halfback Sean Romans and first five-eighth Glenn Dickson need to kick well, while the tight five must muscle up, with locks Hayden Triggs and Hoani Matenga needing big games.
Fullback Chris Small had a forgettable Otago debut last week and has to show he is a better player, while the likes of Ben Smith and captain Alando Soakai must bring their top games to the table.
Otago simply must not let Southland get a roll on in the opening few minutes.
Soakai spoke earlier this week of his side just getting out and performing well.
He did not need to stress the shield and Otago's painful association with the trophy.
Otago just has to play well. It really is that simple. Do that, and keep heads cool, and it could well be a date with destiny.
OTAGO v SOUTHLAND
- Rugby Park, today, 4.35pm
Referee: Jonathon White (Auckland)
TAB odds: Southland $1.20, Otago $4.20
• Otago: Chris Small, Ryan Shortland, Ben Smith, Josh Tatupu, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Hayden Triggs, Hoani Matenga, Sam Hibbard, Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Blair Young, Seko Kalou, Paul Grant, Johnny Legg, Andrew Parata, Joe Hill.
• Southland: Robbie Robinson, Glen Horton, Kendrick Lynn, Matt Saunders, James Paterson, James Wilson, Scott Cowan, Elliott Dixon, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Nic Barrett, Dion Bates, Kane Thompson, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Mark Wells, Tony Koonwaiyou.
THREE KEY AREAS
1. If you're going do it, do it right: At this level of rugby it is the team which makes fewer errors which wins. Otago needs to get rid of its butterfingers from last week and show better accuracy.
2. I'm your man: With the weather predicted to be damp, the boot will dominate. Otago halfback Sean Romans and first five-eighth Glenn Dickson have to be spot on with their kicks and the chase must also be good.
3. Wake me up before you go-go: These sort of games are all about momentum and Otago, coming off a horror effort against Counties-Manukau, needs to start well and not leak points early.
