But he is down-playing their achievements considerably.
They conquered all last year.
They edged Westlake Boys’ 32-29 to win their maiden National First XV Championship title last season .
There are a few games to go before they reach that level again. But so far so good.
They beat King’s 32-15 in the regional final in Invercargill last weekend and will play Nelson College in the South Island final in Nelson tomorrow morning.
"The last three weeks we’ve been playing good rugby," Dermody said.
"But I’m a realist and we know it is going to be bloody tough. We’re playing a good side.
"But we’re playing good rugby, so we’ll give ourselves a shot."
There were some good signs in the match against King’s. They got out to a 19-0 lead at halftime, weathered a spirited comeback and then finished strongly.
They have named the same squad from that match for the South Island final.
First five Mika Muliaina is a key player. His tactical kicking game has been influential.
And the tight five of Jack McKeay, Mason Coulthard, Thomas Jennings, Jake Evans and Presley McHugh are the batteries propelling the team forward.
Southland Boys’ have eight players back from last year’s successful campaign but Dermody felt there was not a lot of advantage to be gained from that experience.
"We are a completely different side. It is a different bunch of boys.
"They are still doing what we want them to do, so we’ll give them a go on Saturday."
Dermody said Nelson College had some big ball-carriers, a talented first five and looked sharp "right across the paddock".
"This is their year apparently, so they will be up for it."
"We’re tracking all right. But sometimes you look at last year and say, ‘Did we actually do that and is it possible this year?’. You won’t say no, but it is going to be tough."
SI First XV final
Nelson, tomorrow, 11am
Southland Boys’ High School: Jack Brock, Caleb Harvey, Crenshaw Conroy, Jimmy Taylor, Will Garrick, Mika Muliaina, Noah Sutton, Thomas Spain (captain), Jarod Reid, Josh Cairns, Jack McKeay, Mason Coulthard, Thomas Jennings, Jake Evans, Presley McHugh.
Reserves: Luka Salesa, Joe Loffhagen, Lucas Jennings, Hunter Morrison, Will Henry, Nick Ellenden, Ezekiel Hammond-Siolo.
