By Stu Piddington

A win for Timaru Boys' High School First XV against their Christchurch counterparts will propel them into title contenders in the Crusader Schools Championship.

TBHS are unbeaten after three games and sit on top of the table as the only side with three wins and maximum bonus points.

Christchurch Boys' High School, Christ's College and Nelson College are the other unbeaten sides in the 15-team competition.

TBHS has however received a fortunate draw and Christchurch Boys' is their first acid test, in Christchurch on Tuesday, in what is also a traditional interschool.

TBHS assistant coach Gavin Miller was happy to take the underdog tag.

"Christchurch Boys' will be a well coached side with reasonably solid pack and speed out wide."

"I understand they kick a lot in general play but also have a handy halfback and first five."

Miller said the key for his side communication on defence and better vision on attack.

"We need to let the ball do some of the work and take the right options."

TBHS have been forced into one change from the side that started against Roncalli.

First five Thomas Mulligan was concussed so Troy Edwards goes into the starting line-up.

Prop Shane Fikken also gets a start ahead of Hunter Webb. 

Captain Cullen Grace switches from lock to blind side with No.8 Makatapu Tangitau going into lock anf Finlay Joyce to the back of the scrum.

Grace is an excellent defender and it also gives him an opportunity to be more involved in the wider game.

In the backline wing Brad Cvitanich swaps places centre Ofa Manuofetua.

​Both are strong runners but TBHS maybe looking for better communication in the midfield after blowing several opportunities out wide against Roncalli.

TBHS will also need to get big wing Isireli Kawa in the game more often as he has proved difficult to stop especially in one-on-one stituations.

Kawa is also the top try scorer in the championship with seven to his name while Tangitau is also among the leaders with four from three games.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm at Christchurch Boys' High School

TBHS (from 15): Monty Nixon, Ofa Manufetoa, Brad Cvitanich, Caleb Hunt-Wheeler, Isireli Kawa, Troy Edwards, Sam Allen, Finlay Joyce, Mac Edwards, Cullen Grace (c), Elliot Meyer, Makatapu Tangitau, Thomas Edwards, Jake Edwards, Shane Fikken, (substitutes) Jarod Carey, Hunter Webb, Angus McKnight, Ben Sands, Ryan Greenslade, Cody Gibson