Bethlehem College are in for a battle royal this morning (Saturday) when they take on Rotorua Boys' High School to defend the Te Kani Shield.

After winning a hard fought 20-12 battle last weekend against Aquinas College and taking home the prize of both the Randup Cup and Te Kani Shield. Bethlehem will be keen to keep the prize locked away in their awards cabinet for another week.

Bethlehem College winning the Te Kani Shield against Aquinas last weekend. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

But they face the challenge of Rotorua Boys' High School 2^nd XV in Rotorua. Boys' High boasts a big pack with dynamic hooker Cameron Gibbs teaming up with their explosive open side flanker Manny Crawford.

The shield holders on the other hand have lost their stand out Bay of Plenty Under-18 flanker Matt Leppard to injury and will need to work hard on defence to counter the size of the challenger's forwards.

Bethlehem College will need to lift their intensity as the home side, cheered on by a vocal crowd, will leave everything on the field to take back the Te Kani Shield which they have claimed as their own for many a season.

The key to Bethlehem College's success will be the combination of Brodie McDowell at half back and Josh Kingsbury in the pivotal number 10 jersey.

The game will be played at Rotorua Boys' High School No.2 field at 12.00pm.