"Wesley will have some big boys so we will have to have a presence up front first and foremost," Simpkins said.
"Then we can look to get some good ball to our backs, so we are looking to keep it old school."
Wesley defeated reigning national champions Hamilton Boys' High School (22-18) last weekend to make the final, while Rotorua Boys' defeated St Paul's College (44-33) from Auckland in their last pool match.
"After beating Hamilton they are obviously on a big high so they will come with a lot of confidence," Simpkins said.
Playing in front of friends and family in Rotorua would mark a special occasion for his team, he said.
However, Wesley would likely bring down a few busloads of supporters for the match.
Simpkins said while it was the first competition of the season they were treating it as a big match.
"At the end of the day, we are playing in the final and we are treating it as big as any other final we play in," he said.
"Everyone is pretty excited. We have trained really well."
He said a win today would be a great start to the season, with the Super 8 competition just around the corner, followed by the hunt for a spot in the National Top 4.
Rotorua International Stadium today
4.40pm: Chiefs Cup final: Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV v Wesley College 1st XV
7.35pm: Super Rugby: Chiefs v Bulls
Tickets: Adults from $20, children from $
