Stage set for finals rematch

Kahurangi will have the wind in their sails as they look forward to tomorrows final against Central for local premier rugby supremacy.

With Central having stumbled through the season's midpoint, they are a different team than the same powerhouse side that has won two Tasman Trophy titles on the trot.

Having fallen just short in last season's final, Kahurangi captain Joshua Te Hira says they had hoped it would be a rematch after their win over Waimea Old Boys in the semi-final.

"We remember that final last year."

With the added bonus of playing this year's edition on their home ground, Joshua says they're hungry to come away with the win for their community.

"Everybody gets behind us. That's just part of having a great culture.

"Being from a small place like Motueka, our community really gets behind us. We're not just a team on the field."

With the two finals teams having traded wins through the regular season, it's anyone's guess who will come out trumps in the big dance.

Kahurangi kicked off their season against Central, falling short and losing the John Goodman Cup in a 20-23 loss after having a bye in the first week of competition.

Six weeks later, the tables turned as Kahurangi snatched a 28-19 away win over Central, and secured their spot as regular season leaders.

But both teams will have their Super Rugby stars in the mix, with Central's Timoci Tavatavanawai already making an impact with a try over the weekend in their 38-10 win over Stoke.

Kahurangi's star power comes from Willie Havili, who was monumental in their win over Waimea Old Boys last weekend.

Whether from massive 50-22 kicks from inside his own 22 that turned defence into offence or his penalties from within his own half, it was a display of kicking brilliance to get his team over the line.

Louie Chapman, who scored in their semi-final win, is also back in the mix after another season in the Crusaders camp.

The action kicks off at an earlier time of 2:30pm at Sports Park Motueka, with both teams possessing the firepower to come out the other side as champions.

Time is the only one who can tell, as it all comes down to who will rise to the moment and who will falter.