Every game will mean something in the Highlanders First XV competition this year.
The competition will start with a full round-robin, after which sides will split into three sections of four.
But in a slight change from last year, the teams that finish at the top of each pool will play two home games.
Their only away games will be against the teams at the bottom of their respective pools.
Last year, South Otago High School finished top of the competition ladder after the round-robin but then had two away games in the top four, and struggled.
The competition, which costs about $100,000 to run, is no longer sponsored by the Southern Institute of Technology. The institution pulled out after a change of legislation forced it to review all sporting sponsorship.
But the Southern Trust has stepped in, along with the Otago Daily Times and other sponsors, and all is ready for the second year of the competition.
The surprise package last year was South Otago, but the team will struggle to repeat its deeds this year.
It is now coached by Hamish Erwood, and has only three of last year's players returning.
But Erwood said the side was raring to go, and had some exciting young players coming through.
Defending champion Southland Boys', which beat Waitaki Boys' in the final, has had its share of player losses, especially in the backline.
Marty Smith will be overseeing the team, and the side had encouraging performances, beating Nelson College and falling narrowly to Christ's College, in a pre-season tournament in Christchurch.
Prop Campbell Wood will again lead the side, while first five-eighth Scott Ede will be a key player.
Otago Boys' was hard done by last year, just missing out on the final by a bonus point, so motivation should not be a problem.
Grant Sneddon takes over as coach from Bevan Townsend, and he will be assisted by Brian Free.
The side had lost about 10 players from last year and did not have a huge forward pack, but it would not lack in the fitness department, he said.
It would look to backs Michael Collins and Liam Edwards to help create chances.
Dunstan High School has lost key backs Matt Te Tana and Jayden Spence and is a young side.
It just missed making the top four last year but has the advantage of having a second XV this year.
The side carried a small squad last season and will be looking to put one over Waitaki Boys' when the sides meet in Oamaru today.
Waitaki Boys' has been hard hit by player departures, with the loss of the dynamic inside back combination of Tyron Davies and Miles Medlicott a big blow. Davies is now a pupil at St Bede's College, in Christchurch, and Medlicott has left school and is playing his rugby in Dunedin. Only three players return, and the team is coached by a new duo, James Ahu and Nic Hill.
There was encouraging form in pre-season games against Christchurch teams, with a win against St Thomas' College, which finished fourth in the Crusaders competition last year, and a narrow loss to Shirley Boys' High School.
Gore High School may well be the side to surprise. It finished sixth last year but has retained 19 members of its squad and can be expected to move up the table after showing promising form in pre-season games.
It has a strong pack, with key players being captain and hooker Michael Donald and loose forwards Cole Birse and Morgan Mitchell.
FIRST XV - THE FACTS
SOUTHLAND BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Champion.
> Coaches: Alan Bailey, Marty Smith, Peter Skelt.
> Captain: Prop Campbell Wood.
> Key players: Campbell Smith (loose forward), Scott Ede (first five-eighth).
WAITAKI BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Second.
> Coaches: James Ahu, Nic Hill.
> Captain: Midfield back George Bell.
> Key players: Neil Hill (winger, fullback), Matt Duff (flanker).
OTAGO BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Third.
> Coaches: Grant Sneddon, Brian Free.
> Captain: Not yet chosen.
> Key players: Liam Edwards (fullback), Michael Collins (midfield back).
SOUTH OTAGO HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Fourth.
> Coach: Hamish Erwood.
> Captain: Hooker Karl Still.
> Key players: Shane Edwards (prop), Johnny Fa'amoe (loose forward).
DUNSTAN HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Fifth.
> Coaches: Larry Dougherty, Jamie Clarke.
> Captain: Prop Josh Thom.
> Key players: Michael Harvey (loose forward), Tom Dougherty (halfback).
GORE HIGH SCHOOL
> 2009: Sixth.
> Coaches: Martin Powley, Sean Hurley.
> Captain: Hooker Michael Donald.
> Key players: Cole Birse (openside flanker), Morgan Mitchell (No 8).
