Two Otago high schools are preparing to face off in front of a much larger audience than usual today.
This afternoon's First XV match between Dunstan High School and Waitaki Boys' High School in Alexandra will be broadcast live on Sky TV's Rugby Channel.
It will be the first time any of the game's players have taken part in a televised game, their coaches say.
Dunstan High School coach Jacques Kemp said his players were excited but also feeling "a bit of pressure''.
"There's a bit of hype around everything, it's a big thing.
"We've talked a bit about the pressure, and [about] probably having a big crowd as well.
"There will be a lot of noise and communication on the field will be hard.
"Hopefully, it's a nice, dry day, otherwise we will struggle. They've got a big pack of forwards.''
Many of the team had been affected by the flu this week but Kemp was confident all his players would be fit today and he was looking forward to some of them making an impression in front of the cameras.
"We're a small school but we'll show them what we can do and give them a good run for their money, hopefully.''
Rain and cold southwest winds were forecast for Alexandra this afternoon but that did not excite Waitaki Boys' High School coach Wayne Kinzett, despite his side's larger forward pack.
"We like to play an expansive game and enjoy it. That's a big part of how I coach.
"But it possibly won't be that type of game.''
The side had two wingers out injured but was otherwise fully fit.
Kinzett said his players were clearly excited about the occasion but he had done his best to play down the novelty factor.
"I don't want to make a big deal of it. The trip [to Alexandra] is big enough; it's a long way over. I just want to make sure we get off the bus and are ready to play rugby.''
The match kicks off at 2.40pm.
The match between Otago Boys' High School and Southland Boys' High School will be broadcast on the same channel on Wednesday.
