It dispatched John McGlashan 42-14 in Dunedin yesterday.
The 28-point margin will have sent a warning to the other division 1 schools in the competition.
But perhaps the most salient message to get through will be the way the visitors played — none of this rolling maul nonsense that is turning away fans.
Southland Boys’ embraced a much more ambitious game plan centred around getting the ball wide.
First five Mika Muliaina set the tone with a slick display. Centre Preston Evans made some big tackles and read the play well.
Fullback Jimmy Taylor scored twice, while fellow outside back Cody Stevens is blessed with pace and hunger.
The defending champion had its moments as well.
Prop Henry Cleaver made some brutal runs with the ball and barged his way through a couple of tacklers to score in the second half.
Fullback Liam Barron made a couple of nice breaks.
But the team in blue had a more organised lineout, it dominated the scrum and its willingness to use the ball will present a big challenge for Otago Boys’ next week when they head to Invercargill in what shapes as an interesting encounter.
Southland Boys’ coach Jason Dermody was thrilled with his side’s effort.
"We are always trying to aim for perfection, so we’ve got a few things to work on leading into Otago Boys’ next week," he said.
"But to come to McGlashan and put 40 points on them, you have to be happy as a coach.
"When we get our backs front-foot ball, we’re pretty dangerous. We can score down the edges which is pretty good.
"That is the sort of rugby we want to play. But then again our forwards are tough and we can go to work."
Otago Schools Rugby
The scores
Southland Boys’ 42
Jimmy Taylor 2, Preston Evans, Mika Muliaina, Justin Shaw, Cody Stevens tries; Muliaina 6 con
John McGlashan 14
Henry Cleaver try, penalty try; Max Hore con
Halftime: 21-7.
