THE TEAMS
Kavanagh College
Last year: 12th.
Coaches: Ant Harris, Brian de Groot, John Thorne.
Key players: Flanker James Tomkinson, first five-eighth Ben Willemsen, centre Guy Woodhouse.
The oil: The only way is up for Kavanagh after finishing bottom last year.
Has a Second XV this year which should help depth and has some classy players throughout its team.
King's High School
Last year: Fourth
Coaches: Daryl Paterson, Richard Lyndsay.
Key players: Halfback Caleb Gray, loose forward Tyrone Pelasio, centre Tim Tolovae.
The oil: After a few years of development, this is a big year for the South Dunedin side.
Has plenty of size and strength up front and speed in the backs.
Captain Gray, who is also head boy, will be an important link man in the side.
John McGlashan College
Last year: Fifth
Coaches: Mike Idour, Marty Schaaf.
Key players: Lock Tom Simmers, inside back Alan Steel.
The oil: Lost several key players from last year but always gives a solid effort.
Has balance throughout its squad and is aiming to repeat or even better last year's performance of winning the middle four.
Otago Boys' High School
Last year: Finalist.
Coach: Ryan Martin.
Key players: Second five-eighth Michael Collins, flanker Brodie Hume.
The oil: Will want to go one better than last year, when it was well beaten in the final.
Has an early chance at revenge, taking on Southland Boys' next Wednesday in Invercargill.
Has nine players back and recorded three comfortable wins in pre-season matches.