Otago Daily Times rugby writer Steve Hepburn runs the rule over the Southland teams in the Highlanders First XV competition.
THE TEAMS
Gore High School
Last year: Third.
Coaches: Sean Hurley, Martin Powley.
Key players: No 8 Morgan Mitchell, second five-eighth Aaron Shirley.
The oil: This is the year for Gore to deliver.
Has plenty of players back, has been handing out rugby scholarships and has been on a short South Island tour to prepare.
No 8 Mitchell is a New Zealand age-group representative.
Menzies College
Last year: N/A
Coach: Keith Dyer.
Key players: Hooker Rory McCall, loose forward Wade McRae.
The oil: Beat Central Southland College 9-3 last month to get into the competition.
The school from Wyndham is entering the unknown but will not lack commitment.
Does well to field five rugby sides, considering it has fewer than 150 boys at the school.
Southland Boys' High School
Last year: Champion.
Coaches: Alan Bailey, Jason Dermody, Marty Smith.
Key players: Flanker Nick Hayes, hooker Ryan Carter, halfback Jackson Wallace.
The oil: Looking for a hat trick of titles but it will be tough for the Invercargill-based side, which has lost more than half its team.
Will still be competitive and has experienced players in key areas.
Verdon College
Last year: Eighth.
Coaches: Mark Scobie, Jarlath Kelly.
Key players: Midfielder Joe Blair, hooker Joe Lodge.
The oil: A bit of a rebuilding year for the side, though it may surprise a few teams.
A new coaching team will want to get as much out of the side as possible.
Has a tough opening to the season, playing Gore and King's in the first two matches.