Christ's College's Kaveni Balenacagi on the attack against Roncalli in Timaru on Saturday.

Former All Blacks' captain Reuben Thorne has given a simple message to his Christ's College side ahead of Thursday's interschool against Christchurch Boys' High.

Thorne is in his first season coaching Christ's, alongside former Canterbury and Crusaders' first five Cameron McIntyre.

perceptionpr Christ's College coach Reuben Thorne has helped guide his side to an unbeaten record.

They have made a fine start, winning their opening six matches, including a rare 40-19 away victory over St Bede's College.

Christ's haven't beaten School in the traditional fixture since 2000, but will be quietly optimistic about their chances of ending that drought at Upper.

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Thorne has been quick to remind his players School will be another level up in quality and intensity from their previous opponents.

Keeping their feet on the ground and not getting hyped up had been key themes in the lead-up to the match.

"This is going to be our first big challenge of the season. It is a big step up for us and the guys are well aware of that," Thorne said.

"We're just focusing on everyone's individual roles and making sure they're really clear about them."

Boys' High have won four of their first six matches, losing 22-18 to Marlborough Boys' College in round one and drawing 6-6 with Nelson College.

Thorne said School always managed to field a classy side and acknowledged they would to have be at the top of their game to compete.

"From what I have seen, they appear to be a pretty-well drilled team. They've got a bit of size up front and a pretty strong forward pack. We're going to have to be up for that.

"They play with a high level of skill.

Boys' High assistant coach Mike Drury said they had immense respect for this year's College team and predicted they would be one of the frontrunners in the competition.

College were smashed by a record-breaking 80-0 scoreline last year, but Drury felt only a few points would likely separate the sides.

"At the moment, they seem to be setting the standard. Hopefully we'll be able to raise the bar to match up to where they are at the moment.

"They look a very well balanced team."

Drury said Christ's had some astute operators in their backline, including first five Angus Gray and centre Ngane Punivai.

Second five Dallas McLeod was a player they would need to contain.

"He's a big threat. He's playing really good footy and is someone that's been earmarked for higher honours this season."

School will be boosted by the return from injury of skipper and loosehead prop Ewan Milnes.

College's pleasing start to the season had filled the side with a lot of confidence, Thorne said.

They were staying grounded knowing they had played some of the weaker teams already.

"College obviously had a pretty disappointing season last year and they've come in this year pretty determined to do well. The attitude has been right there."

College came close to knocking over School in 2013 when Chiefs fullback and new All Black Damian McKenzie was in their side, losing 7-6 in the sleet at Rugby Park.

If they could end their 16-year losing run, Thorne said it would mean a huge amount.

"It would be significant for the school. It has been a lean wee while.

"At the same time, we've made the point this season, it's more than just one game. Even though it is important, it's not the be all and end all."

Kickoff is at 2.40pm.

AT A GLANCE:

CBHS: Brad Wang, Ryan Barnes, Latham Kelly-Foleni, Ben Chippendale, Atu Manu, Alex Harford, Louie Chapman, Mosese Fifita, Ben Donkers, Harry Hall, Jackson Murray, Zachary Wilson, Isaac Roth, Adam Reid, Ewan Milnes (c).

Reserves: Josh Hannah, Ben McKeich, Sam Alsop, Campbell Reid, Thomas Paterson, Ben Colvin, Matt Jensen.

Christ's College: Reilly Cormack, Sam Abbot, Ngane Punivai (c), Dallas McLeod, Isaiah Punivai, Angus Gray, James Coull, Kaveni Balenacagi, Matt McKellar, Daniel Freeman-Greene, Kale Thatcher, Ben Chamberlain, Patrick Thacker, Jonathon Gemmell, Taine Hintz.

Reserves: Sam Borland, Hamish Rowley, Tim Goodman, Sam Darry, Jack Hayman, Nic Murray, Joe Wilkinson.