Rugby: Showdown for Wanganui

Collegiate hooker Nick Cave's late try against St Peter's last weekend was not quite enough to cement victory.PHOTO/ ROB VAN DORT

A battle is looming later today when Wanganui High School host the Collegiate 1st XV rugby team in the annual inter-school match-up that doubles as a Co-ed Cup qualifying game.

The home side beat Collegiate in the inter-school challenge last year and went on to represent the city in the Super Rugby Franchise Co-ed competition that involves secondary school teams from within the Chiefs, Crusaders, Blues and Hurricanes regions.

Collegiate was not involved in the Co-ed competition last season.

WHS made the regional final against Wairarapa, but lost after a last-minute penalty cost them a place in the national finals.

WHS is in rare form this season and now sits mid-table in the Manawatu U21 competition after winning four of its last five matches.

Collegiate is also mid-table in the strong Central North Island 1st XV Secondary School's competition narrowly going down to St Peter's School from Cambridge last Saturday.

It was a close run battle with Collegiate coming from behind in the second half to almost pull off the win - eventually running out to a 33- 34 loss. Today's game that kicks off at 3pm is certain to produce a grand spectacle with both sides seeking a spot in the Co-ed regional finals and bragging rights in inter-school circles.