It is going to be tough but for some Otago players, this is an opportunity.
When questions are asked, plenty in blue and gold need to be willing to front up with answers this afternoon.
Playing Canterbury in Christchurch is never easy and for Otago, it is going to be especially searching. Shorn of some game-breakers in the backline, it may not be totally backs-to-the-wall stuff but the pressure is definitely going to be on the visiting side.
Canterbury is a class outfit. It has won the ITM Cup for the past five seasons, and is gunning for a sixth.
The forward pack is not laced with All Blacks as it used to be, but Canterbury has plenty of top players and experience in key areas.
Otago, on the other hand, has hit something of a crossroads in its season.
It began with two wins - including the elusive Ranfurly Shield victory - but has lost its past two games.
Its last effort was a rather meek defeat to Tasman and this match is the halfway stage of the season.
So, which branch will Otago turn down this afternoon?For Otago players who want to further their careers and make a statement, this is the sort of match to do just that.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said earlier in the week that for players to make a claim in Super 15 squads, they needed to play well against bigger teams.
In provincial rugby, it does not get much bigger than facing off against Canterbury.
The likes of forwards Tom Franklin, Gareth Evans and Paul Grant need to really come out and play with vigour and make sure they do not stand back against the red and blacks.
Out the back, Jayden Spence and Peter Breen have to match their more illustrious opposites and take every chance that comes along.
Otago looked physically and mentally tired against Tasman and that showed on the scoreboard.
A week off, though, should boost the energy levels and get the side back focused on the match.
Taking on a quality side like Canterbury often comes down to not making errors. This Canterbury team - like so many before it - is expert at taking advantage of any mistake. A sloppy turnover, a poor kick - the home team laps them up and feasts on them.
Canterbury does not play a complicated game. It does not muck around with the ball within sight of its own tryline, and moves the ball around very quickly.
Otago has been working on its defence this week and needs to muscle up when the home side has the ball.
The back three of Breen, Fa'asiu Fuatai and Matt Faddes will have plenty of pressure on them.
There is no denying Otago is missing X-factor players Tony Ensor and Buxton Popoali'i, but the likes of Fuatai and Faddes have some talent, and have to show it today.
The two sides did not play last year but history does not favour Otago. In seven clashes since 2006, Otago does not have one win.
It will be the first time Otago has played at the new stadium in Addington.
Showers are expected in Christchurch this afternoon.
Otago v Canterbury
Christchurch, today, 4.35pm
Otago: Peter Breen, Matt Faddes, Kieran Moffat, Jayden Spence, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Paul Grant (captain), Hugh Blake, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Tom Donnelly, Scott Manson, Liam Coltman, Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Tama Tuirirangi, Charlie O'Connell, TJ Ioane, Willis Scott, Josh Renton, Michael Collins.
Canterbury: Tom Taylor, Patrick Osborne, Adam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Milford Keresoma, Tyler Bleyendaal. Willi Heinz, Jordan Taufua, Jed Brown, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Symons, Luke Katene, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Paea Fa'anunu, Joel Everson, Luke Whitelock, Andy Ellis, Rob Thompson, Johnny McNicholl.
Referee: Shane McDermott (Bay of Plenty)
