Rugby: Ready for a TV showdown

Rotorua Boys' High School and Tauranga Boys' College are gearing up for another fierce battle ahead of their televised match in Rotorua.

The two proud schools will meet on Sunday during the final of the Chiefs Cup at Rotorua International Stadium. The match will double as a curtain-raiser for the Black Ferns versus Australia match.

This is the second year in a row Rotorua Boys' High School have qualified for the final of the secondary schools competition, losing to Hamilton Boys' High School last year in the big match.

Rotorua Boys' High School captain Isaac Te Aute, 17, said a lot of the boys from last year were still in the first XV.

"It has made everything a lot easier with players that have already been there coming through," he said.

"It is a big game for the school, it gives us the chance to win the Chiefs Cup for the first time."

Rotorua Boys' High School defeated Hamilton Boys' High School last weekend 15-0 to progress to the final. They also toppled Cambridge High School and Manurewa High School on their way to the final.

Te Aute said it was his first year as captain and he was proud to be leading his team on Sunday.

"I'm not really a fella that likes to talk a lot, I just like to lead by example and show the right way by doing that."

He said the boys were all looking forward to running out at Rotorua International Stadium.

"Everyone is pretty excited and personally I am probably the most excited. It's just a really good field and a home crowd."

If they defeat their Bay of Plenty rivals on Sunday, it will give them plenty of confidence heading into the Super Eight competition.

The Super Eight rugby competition is contested by the best all-boys schools in the central North Island.

Rotorua Boys' High School coach Bruce Buckton said his side had been working hard this year, and the leadership group of players had stepped up.

He also said there was a lot to like about their chances in all competitions this season.

"To win the Chiefs Cup as a result of good performances, leading into the Super Eight, is exactly what we want from a pre-season competition."

Last year, Tauranga Boys' College were crowned Baywide champions and Buckton said they hoped to win the title back off them later this season.

The Chiefs Cup final starts at 3.40pm on Sunday at Rotorua International Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Television. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults (price includes the Black Ferns versus Australia match at 5.40pm).