Oriental-Rongotai v Wainuiomata

When Wainuiomata and Oriental-Rongotai run out onto Westpac Stadium this Sunday it will be the culmination of a long roller-coaster ride, but one which both teams are determined to end on a high.

Wainuiomata has the vast experience of former Samoan international Earl Va'a to draw upon in their bid to raise the cup. Va'a, first five eighth and coach, was a major influence on the team's rise to finals contenders last year. Two years ago he tasted Jubilee Cup glory after kicking the winning goal for Petone to beat Norths, 21-20.

His coolness under pressure and decision-making is a massive asset to the young Wainui team, many of them fresh out of secondary school. Va'a will try and keep his young players' feet on the ground despite the occasion, and just play the game on its merits. When available Piri Weepu's mercurial skills have been inspirational, however in his absence today we will no doubt see some of the team's exciting young talent step-up to the mark.

Wainui had an early win against would-be Jubilee Cup semi-finalists Norths in round two of the Swindale Shield, and beat Ories in round eight. This meant they finished one place above Ories, but just out of Jubilee contention. Ories managed to even the ledger with a 27-10 victory in round three of the Hardham Cup.

Oriental-Rongotai could be feeling the pressure to perform. They have led the Hardham Cup field this year and had a good semi-final victory against Avalon last week. Ories ability to make something from nothing could be the winning of the final. Ories fell only once, to second-placed Upper Hutt, in the lead up to this final.

Ories have shown a good mix of devastating broken play running and structured phase play, with first five-eighth Karl Harding a major asset. At fullback Fa'avae Tuma'ai's is a running, kicking and try-scoring inspiration to his team, and supporters all year. He is top try-scorer with seven in the Hardham Cup, just ahead of Wainui's Lewis Marshall.

The hard Westpac Stadium pitch will serve the running instincts of both teams, but rest assured all 44 players from two of Wellington's great clubs will be absolutely buzzing to get on that hallowed turf come Sunday afternoon and bring the Cup back to their clubrooms.