By Stu Piddington

A former All Black lock has provided his former high school First XV with motivation ahead of Saturday's Crusaders Schools Championship final.

Isaac Ross, who attended Timaru Boys' High School school in the mid to late 90s, was happy to provide a few words to his old team.

"As you know, the jersey doesn't belong to you. You lease it and you strive to leave it in a better state from which you received it and thats' exactly what you young men have done.

Stacy Squires

Timaru Boys' High School players and fans celebrate after beating Christ's in their UC Championship semifinal last weekend.

"Whatever happens you've done the school, your family, friends and a lot of us Old Boys' extremely proud.

READ MORE:* Timaru Boys' knock over Christ's* TBHS after Christ's scalp

"You have the chance to make history and leave your own legacy. Don't let the occasion overwhelm you, do your jobs, believe and just enjoy the moment. You will speak about it for the rest of your lives." 

Ross, who was part of the successful 1995 team, said he has been keeping a close eye on the side.

"I have been following the TBHS 1st XV the past couple of seasons via the Facebook THBS Rugby/Old Boys pages - with great joy through their success I may add.

"It's a real pleasure for an Old Boy to see these young men getting the rewards they deserve from some real gutsy efforts being put in over the past few months. Go Timaru Boys'," he said.

A pumped up Timaru Boys' High School First XV is looking forward to their final on Saturday in Christchurch.

The underdogs face defending champions and top seeds Christchurch Boys' High School, who have won the final nine times in the 16 years the competition has run. 

TBHS rector Nick McIvor said the the whole school was very proud of all that the boys have achieved.

"We find ourselves in a bit of a 'David and Goliath' scenario; all going well David will win the day."

McIvor said TBHS was entering new territory as a first time finalist in the UC Championship .

"The boys are well aware of the special nature of this game but not daunted by it. Their focus is instead on thorough preparation. 

"They see themselves as having a very good chance of taking the title in 2017, if they get it right ."

Coach Gavin Miller said there had certainly been a sense of excitement around the school and the wider community

"I've had former players, old boys, teachers  and even a couple of Christchurch schools get in contact and wish us all the best.

"It will be a big occasion but it is about us being focused on what we have done all season."

Miller said there were no worries in having to play at Christchurch Boys' High School.

"We have been travelling all season and got plenty of vocal support at Christ's College (in the semifinal) on Saturday."

Miller was naming his team after practice on Thursday night but has been forced into one change after lock Cameron Lyon injured his knee against Christ's.

Former TBHS coach Grant McFarlane said it was certainly one of the two biggest games in his 32 years at the school.

"Considering our size and resources, it is a fantastic effort. 

"It rates with the 1995 team that won all six traditional inter-schools and went through to the New Zealand Schools top four."

McFarlane said he hoped the boys would enjoy the experience.

"We are a small school but a tight school. There is a really good buzz."

McFarlane said it was also a good reward for Miller, who had put into a lot of time and effort over the years into First XV rugby.

Whoever wins will extend their season with a clash against the winner of the Otago Boys' and Southland Boys, also on Saturday, for a spot in the New Zealand Schools top four.

The game kicks off at midday and a large number of former First XV players are expected to dig out their white jerseys for the occasion.