There is little doubt the players turning out in the black jersey can play the game - their mere selection from thousands of players confirms that - but it is how they apply their skills and handle the occasion which will ultimately decide if the side comes out on top.
History shows these games have few points in them, and there is nothing to suggest today's match will be any different.
New Zealand Secondary Schools coach Karl Jones said the team had trained well over the past six days in Dunedin, and was now ready to play the game.
"We are in particularly good fettle ... but at this level it can be more about the mental side and getting that right," he said.
"We've talked about that a few times this week."
Jones said his side had enjoyed the week in Dunedin, and the match against Otago under-19 last Friday, which it won 27-11, was of great benefit for the side.
"That was invaluable, just the intensity they brought to the game and the way they put us under pressure. It was exactly what we were after."
The side has had some good news on the injury front over the last couple of days.
Fullback Albert Nikoro has got over a hamstring strain and prop Fraser Armstrong has made good progress from a blown calf muscle, which had him on crutches last week, and will line up today.
Jones said the side was well balanced throughout and he was expecting a competitive Australian outfit.
"They'll be strong as usual. Be tough up front and more than capable out wide. If conditions stay good like this then I think they'll try to take us on up front like they did last year."
The New Zealand team had only played two games together but had the advantage of having five players from Mt Albert Grammar and three from Hamilton Boys' High School in the side in the starting line-up.
"Those guys do have the advantage of playing together but we have a geographical spread in this team. We've got a guy from Northland and two guys from Southland so there is a real spread of players from round the country.
"The guys just have to get used to playing with each other. We haven't got the ability to play more games as we finish a lot later than the Australians."
He said the standard of first XV rugby this year had increased but the players had to take another step up for today's match.
"This is a lot more intense than first XV rugby and the guys have to respond to that."
Australian Secondary Schools coach Pat Langtry was hoping his side would come right today after two rusty efforts over the past week.
It beat a Waikato under-19 side and Tongan Schools last week, but he was not happy with either display.
He expected a very competitive New Zealand team.
"They'll be top class from one right through to 15. They'll be well coached and well organised. I wouldn't expect anything less."
The Australians do not have any major injury worries.
The sides have split the past two encounters, with New Zealand winning 28-24 last year in Brisbane and Australia winning 15-11 in New Plymouth in 2008.
The teams have never met in Dunedin before.
The match is being played at Otago Boys' High School as organisers wanted the game to be played at a school to capture the school rugby atmosphere.
Of the 27 games played between the teams since 1978, New Zealand has won 20 games.
