The side has gone unbeaten through the competition, it has never won the trophy and for a good bulk of the team it will be the last chance to win.
Otago Boys' beat Southland Boys' 19-3 early in the season in Invercargill, and will have to play just as well again to beat the Invercargill-based side which has improved all year.
Attention has been diverted from the game this week by doubts over where it was to be played. Otago Boys' had hoped to play the game at Forsyth Barr Stadium but it needs minor turf repairs.
Carisbrook and the University Oval were ruled out as they are World Cup training venues and the game was set to take place at Littlebourne.
But after a practice at the ground on Thursday, it was decided to head for Tahuna Park, as the school ground was covered in mud and uneven in places.
Coach Ryan Martin said it was disappointing the side has not been able to access a main ground.
"But we have to put that behind us now. It is all about the mental side of the game now. Southland Boys' have won the past two years and it is about time this trophy came to Dunedin," he said.
Martin said it was a big effort to win in Invercargill, and the side wanted to complete a good effort in the competition.
The weather may play a part in the game, especially at Tahuna Park, which can become affected by wind.
Otago Boys' will want to use its fleet-footed backline, with captain and centre Michael Collins a key. Collins and lock Mike McKee have been named in a expanded New Zealand schools squad.
"A lot of the guys are in their seventh form year so this is the last chance for them to win."
Southland Boys' has lost key back Keanu Kahukura, who has a knee injury.
Coach Alan Bailey said his side had got better throughout the year, and would need to play for territory and take any chances which came along.
The winner today will play the winner of the Crusaders competition at home next week. St Bede's College hosts Nelson College in the final of that competition.
The winner of the match next Saturday will be the South Island representative in the top four schools competition, to be played in Rotorua.
• The premier 2 final between Southern and Dunedin has been transferred from Tahuna Park to the University Oval No 5.
Highlanders First XV final
- Tahuna Park, today, 2.30pm
• Otago Boys': Sean Conner, Eli Slater, Michael Collins (captain), Aleki Morris, Jarred Hewitt, Sam Ellis, Josh Renton, Brodie Hume, Harry Schaumann, Byron Dodge, Mike McKee, Josh Dickson, Lachlan Landels, Junior Pole, Ethan Harrex.
Reserves: Ryan Williams, Hagan Free, Troy Calender, Hayden Cleghorn, Tim Lawrence, Josh Casey, Ben Miller.
• Southland Boys': Henry Burns, Robert Pestafo, Fraser Beck, Sven Penwarden, Ryan Egerton, Jackson Wallace, Liam Howley, Jordan Stewart, Matt Hayes, Kieran O'Connor, Kane Bates, Alfie Broughton, Patrick Clegg, Ryan Carter (captain), Macrae Sanderson.
Reserves: Jason Dobson, Ben Soper, Cody Oughton, Jono Dennison, Ben McKercher, Nathan Frisby, Javan Aerenga.