The Stags play Auckland this afternoon in the Air New Zealand Cup, which also doubles as a Ranfurly Shield challenge.
Southland, a Highlanders franchise partner, last held the log of wood in 1959, and then it was only for 18 days, winning it from Taranaki 23-6, before losing it to Auckland, 9-13, in its first challenge.
Southland team manager Leicester Rutledge, who played in many unsuccessful challenges for the southerners, said the team had tried to ignore the hype this week but it had been pretty hard.
Southland last challenged for the shield in 2006, being beaten by Canterbury 24-7, and seven of those players who played in that loss will play at Eden Park.
Rutledge said the shield was still the most coveted prize in provincial rugby in the world, and the team was aware of its importance.
Southland has recalled first five-eighth Blair Stewart and halfback Dane Shelford to the side, but will be looking to its tight five, led by lock Hoani MacDonald and prop and captain Jamie Mackintosh, to dominate the match.
Rutledge said a win over Hawkes Bay in Napier last month had given the side some real confidence.
Southland had not won in Auckland for 71 years, Rutledge said, so had to get past that record to secure the shield.
That suggests history is not on Southland's side, with the southern side having beaten the Aucklanders only seven times in 48 matches.
Auckland has won just two games this season, and sits third bottom on the table as it undergoes a rebuilding year.
But it has a powerful looking backline, with wingers David Smith and Joe Rokocoko ready and willing to take any opportunities.
If Southland limits the chances for those two, the log of wood may land in the deep South tomorrow afternoon.
