Love (24) was born in Southbridge, Canterbury, but grew up in Nelson. She moved to Dunedin in 2009 to study physical education, and finished her PhD in strength and conditioning last year.
She has played rugby since she was 16 but has played for Alhambra-Union and the Spirit since moving to Dunedin.
After barely missing out on an all-important top two finish the past two years, the Spirit has a maximum 10 points from its first two games and Love is determined to go at least one step further this season.
''I definitely think we can make the final. We have still some girls returning from last year . . . we have got some young talent coming through and they are showing everyone what they have got. We see a lot of potential in them.
''We have got a good team culture, a good vibe, I think we can at least make that top two. It's one of my goals and hopes,'' she said.
Love, who is working as a personal trainer, is confident her team can make it three from three when it hosts fifth-placed Counties Manukau at the University Oval today.
''They have a league style of play. They like to tackle hard and they like to run the ball up straight and hard.
''We just need to play our own game, make sure we are strong in that contact area and tackle low and I think we will be all right.''
Love has been a consistent starter for the Spirit since 2009 and was selected in the Black Ferns squad at the end of last year.
Love made her international debut off the bench against Canada in the second test match in June, and she is determined to get another taste for the national side.
''I'm definitely working hard on my skills and overall game to try and make the playing squad next year.
"I've always wanted to represent New Zealand and be a part of that amazing culture and family that the Black Ferns are known for,'' she said.
Otago has scored 71 points and only conceded 17 in its two wins against Bay of Plenty and Wellington.
After today's match, Otago will travel to Napier to play Hawkes Bay, before hosting Canterbury at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 21.
As long as the Spirit kept playing for each other and stuck to its systems, it should be a successful season, Love said.
''The thing about Otago is, you don't really have any star players or big names.
"It's a bunch of awesome, no-name talent, and they just come in and work hard for each other.
''Everyone wants to pull on that blue and gold jersey and do well.''
- Robert van Royen
Otago v Counties-Man
University Oval, today
Otago: Phillipa Love, Lucy Emery, Gemma Tuhega, Michaela Smith, Epe Elisara, Rebecca Todd, Georgia Mason, Angie Sisifa (captain), Megan Manson, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Claire Richardson, Kilisitina Moata'ane, Greer Muir, Summer van Loenhout, Sheree Hume, Joe Whatarau, Sophie Kuper, Kelly Whitten, Madeleine Finch, Olivia Waldron, Samarra Soper, Julia Gorinski.
