Marist St. Pat?s v Hutt Old Boys Marist

Marist St. Pat's and Hutt Old Boys Marist?meet on Sunday?to decide the 78th Jubilee Cup, MSP playing in their first final in four years and HOBM their first since amalgamating from Hutt Old Boys and Hutt Valley Marist in 1993. Both come off contrasting semi-finals wins, HOBM toppling defending champions Northern United 15-5 and top qualifier MSP edging out Petone 24-23.

If the tight nature of past Jubilee Cup finals is any gauge, little will separate the two sides. In six finals between 2000 and 2005 the widest winning margin was no greater than five points.

Nevertheless, MSP's impressive Cup history and their solid 2007 form are hard to ignore. If they win it will be their 12th title success in 36 years - a strike rate of one in three, while they have dropped only one game in the last 12 weeks, qualifying first for the semi-finals with a week to spare. HOBM have been consistent performers over the last two seasons, including a close second to Norths in last year's Swindale Shield and a heartbreaking semi-final Cup loss to Poneke this time last year.

Look out for an intense battle up front, notably the front row contest between HOBM prop Otto Rasch and MSP opposite Jamie Parkinson and at lock between Wellington B players Steve Bradshaw (HOBM) and Nick Passi (MSP). Flankers Ash Parker (HOBM) and Craig Simeon (MSP) love to tackle, while both No. 8s are explosive runners. HOBM's Leo Auvaa was player of the match in last week's semi-final win, while MSP's Alex Tulou has been a star all year at the back of the Red Machine scrum.

At halfback, MSP's Reece Poutawera was a Cup winner a decade ago and brings a wealth of experience to his match-up with HOBM opposite Nick Risdon, while further out the playmakers and goalkickers of each side, MSP centre Chris Slade and HOBM first five-eighth Jon Bentley, shape as key protagonists.

Head to head, MSP have won both previous Marist clashes this year- but only just - prevailing 32-29 in the last round of the Swindale Shield and again 17-16 four weeks ago.