King’s have been overshadowed by cross-town rivals Otago Boys’ and also John McGlashan in recent years.
But they knocked out Johnnies in the semifinals and registered an important win over Otago Boys’ in the second round.
Southland have set the benchmark, though. They lost their opening game to Otago Boys’, but have been unbeaten since.
King’s co-captain Charlie Heller said there was not a lot between the top four sides and they were in good shape injury-wise for the showdown.
"We’ve been pretty lucky, so it’s our top side," Heller said.
King’s will lean on halfback Isaac Kramers, while openside flanker Montell Penese is a tireless player.
The season has taken a toll on Southland Boys’.
Captain Taine Withy reckons they have used up to 30 players during the campaign.
He has picked up an injury himself and will miss the final. But most of the rest of the players have come right and the home team will be able to field a near full-strength side.
No 8 Thomas Spain will stand in as captain. He is a key player in the pack, and first five Mika Muliaina and midfielder Jimmy Taylor are influential as well.
There is not just school pride at stake. The winner will go on to play the Crusaders champion. Win that game and there is a trip to the national finals in Palmerston North next month.
Southland Boys’ gutsed their way to a maiden National First XV Championship title last year with a 32-29 win over Westlake Boys’.
Everyone just assumed the North Island teams would be too strong, but Southland Boys’ were battled-hardened from competing in a fiercely contested Southern Schools competition.
While Southland Boys’ have been the form team again this season, they have most certainly been pushed by King’s.
They edged their rival 17-13 in Invercargill in early June and won the return fixture 18-15 at King’s in early July.
Southland Boys’ 2nds will host Dunstan in the second division final. The third division final is at Forsyth Barr Stadium at noon — Otago Boys’ 2nds are playing Waitaki Boys’ — and Central Southland host Cromwell in the fourth division final.
Southern Schools final
Invercargill, tomorrow, 2pm
Southland Boys’ High School: Jack Brock, Caleb Harvey, Crenshaw Conroy, Jimmy Taylor, Will Garrick, Mika Muliania, Noah Sutton, Thomas Spain (captain), Jarod Reid, Josh Cairns, Jack McKeay, Mason Coulthard, Thomas Jennings, Jake Evans, Presley McHugh. Reserves: Luka Salesa, Joe Loffhagen, Lucas Jennings, Hunter Morrison, Will Henry, Nick Ellenden, Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo.
King’s HIgh School: Lafa Tofiga, Joel Cook, Niko Boylan, Henry Smale, Jeremiah Tuhega-Vaitupu, Jake Hill, Isaac Kramers, Isaac Kramers, Max Miller, Montell
Penese (co-captain), Jake Palmer, Charlie Heller (co-captain), Alex Harold, Aisea Fakataha, Riley Boylan, Henry Hunter. Reserves: Kobe Ria, Kavahn Saville-Tonihi, Daniel Wheeler, Tevita Tui, Jaxon Moeahu, Jaxon Harvey, Taufa Makanesi.
