The South Otago High School first XV plays Southland Boys' High School first XV at 2.45pm, as part of the Highlanders First XV competition.
South Otago High School first XV captain Josh Turnbull said the team had a tough game ahead of them, but players would give it their all. Southland Boys' was a much larger school, not co-educational like South Otago High School and the team was one of the best in the competition, he said.
While the team was not used to television cameras, he was confident his side would be focused and put on a good game this afternoon.
''We'll play a tight, hard game and keep it how we want to play, using our strengths.''
The side was having a good season, coming away from a 42-7 win against Gore High School.
The clash will air live on Sky TV's Rugby Channel, as part of the national secondary school rugby series, and will be replayed on Sky Sport One next Wednesday.
SOHS teacher-in-charge of rugby Greg Heller said the team had known about the live broadcast for a long time but tried not to focus on it.
''The boys are raring to go ... We've tried to keep a lid on it [the live broadcast] and concentrate on playing a good game. We're certainly up for it.''
To the best of his knowledge it was the first time a sports event had been broadcast live from South Otago, he said.
Games had been filmed before, but not aired live.
''It's a showcase for South Otago, as much as it is about South Otago High School.''
Sky TV's contractors put up a 6m scaffolding tower for cameras and commentators yesterday morning. Some preliminary filming had already taken place, including interviews with some of the players.
The Clutha Rugby Club had been very helpful and accommodating, giving up the main field for the game, Mr Heller said.
The Clutha premier team will be playing at the same time as the high school clash, on the No 2 field.
The Otago Daily Times was unable to contact South Otago High School first XV coach Naylor Edwards yesterday.
