Rugby: First XV game shapes as classic final

Keegan McGregor of Christchurch Boys High School. Photo / Photosport

The South Island final between Nelson College and Christchurch Boys' High School looks to be one of the best games of the year.

Nelson College took out the first meeting between the sides in June, with an impressive 25-7 victory in Christchurch.

Christchurch Boys' will now have to make that long trip up to Nelson to try to reverse the result.

Can Nelson stomp on?
Nelson have a huge forward pack and are capable of stomping through most teams, while their backs are small and explosive.

Their team is led and guided by Anton Segner, one of the best players in the country who has showed his worth through several superb performances.

The openside flanker is great to watch and it's easy to see why he is rated as one of New Zealand rugby's top prospects.

However, Nelson will be without Fergus Hughes at No 6, whose defence has been huge this year, after he was ruled out of the game.

Taya Brown should start at No 8 and offer up a big frame, throwing himself at defenders and watching them fly off him like they usually do. Don't be surprised to see props Isaiah Malaulau and Preston Masters join in on the action either.

Mason Lund at halfback and Nico Barton at No 10 just need to keep the forwards making ground up the middle until they are ready to strike in the backs.

The setup of Barton with Louis Carmine and Year 11 centre Ollie Inch, who is very strong going into contact, has been important for the home side.

Can Christchurch turn it around?
Christchurch Boys' backline will have to move up quick and crowd the ball carriers to cut off all options for Nelson's dangerous offloads.

Sometimes you will see Nelson lock Daniel Dixon in the mix with the backs because of his pace and this will need to be watched closely by the Christchurch defensive line.

Year 12 locks Jamie Hannah and Fabian Holland are also very athletic and will be very important for their side.

They have great work rates and speed — Hannah offers great ability in the air while Holland has strength.

Prop Ben Lopas and hooker Claden Pirihi bring a lot of experience and knowledge. t Lopas' running is going to be crucial with help from support runners as well as he breaks up the field. Pirihi has that classic work ethic around his core roles and the rucks, which they really need to win.

If Max Hughes and Ollie Lewis play like the superstars they are, Christchurch will have a good chance at winning this game.

UC final
Nelson College v Christchurch Boys' High School
Nelson, 12.40pm today

Exclusive live action
In a first for New Zealand, Herald Premium, in association with Sky, will be bringing you exclusive live action of today's South Island 1st XV rugby final between Nelson College and Christchurch Boys' High School.

To watch the full match, you must be a Premium subscriber. If you're not a subscriber, sign up to NZ Herald Premium at nzherald.co.nz/subscribe.

Kickoff is at 12.40pm.

NZME managing editor Shayne Currie said the collaboration with Sky TV was an exciting move — and the start of more content partnerships between the two companies.

"We have much in common when it comes to a proud history of sport broadcasting — this is a wonderful opportunity to bring more sports content and expert analysis to wider audiences."