North Otago will host their closest rivals South Canterbury in what will be a battle for the ages at Whitestone Contracting Stadium, in Oamaru, this afternoon.
There is never any love lost in one of the toughest Heartland clashes as South Canterbury looks to extend their record winning streak to 25.
They head in as favourites, but maybe that is the way Old Golds coach Jason Forrest likes it.
"There’s no pressure on us at all," Forrest said.
"Yes, we are at home and we want to put on a good performance.
"We’re hoping to fix a few of the wrongs from last week.
"We know we’re going to have to be very, very good.
"They are the pinnacle of Heartland rugby at the moment. They’re a bloody good rugby side.
"We’re up for the challenge and hopefully we can just put on a performance to make ourselves proud, but obviously the people watching as well."
Both teams have been forced to make changes to their starting sides.
Arguably Heartland’s best No 8 in the opening rounds Junior Fakatoufifita is unavailable due to family commitments and first five Vilimoni Koroi is absent due to a family bereavement.
They have been replaced by Samu Babiau and Tyron Davies.
Matia Qiolevu gets his first start at centre and Meli Kolinisau anchors the front line — "good to have the big fella back" — with Kelepi Funaki.
Former Heartland captain Sam Sturgess has answered the call with hooker Hayden Tisdall away, providing experience off the bench.
Utility back Levi Emery, who has played for the Old Golds the past two seasons, will also get his first touch off the bench.
For South Canterbury, pivotal first five Sam Briggs returns, shifting William Wright to halfback.
They are fresh off thumping Buller 56-0 last week, while the Old Golds lost against East Coast 38-29.
Heartland Championship
Oamaru, 2.30pm today
North Otago: Lucas Ollion, Osea Qamasea, Matia Qiolevu, Aleki Morris-Lome, Mone Samate, Tyron Davies, Tini Feke, Samu Babiau, Mat Dauff, Taylor Dale, Rory Bartle, Josh Clark, Meli Kolinisau, Lenny Varu, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Sam Sturgess, Jake Greenslade, Josefa Veiogo, Ratu Logavatu, Kasimila Vaihi, Asesela Ravuvu, Levi Emery, Savenaca Rabaka.
South Canterbury: Liueli Simote, Lisiate Folau, Clarence Moli, Miles Medlicott, Peala Matakaiongo, Sam Briggs, William Wright, Siu Kakala, Finlay Joyce, Solomone Lavaka, Tevita Ahokovi, Anthony Amato, Taufa Hala’ufia, Conor Anderson, Tokomaata Fakatava. Reserves: Garret Casey, Graison Dale, Junior Faavae, Etienne van Zyl, Loni Toumohuni, Faalele Iosua, Zac Saunders, Sireli Bulirurua.
