Te Miini Smiler-Kohere replaced Kaui at lock and put his hand up for a starting spot with a solid defensive performance against a much bigger pack.
Kaui is more of an attacking player, which means coach Jason Tuapawa has to make a decision on whether to stick with the run-on team or bring back Kaui, who has been a consistent performer.
TK Tane, who started last year’s final at No.5, came on as a second-half replacement and made an impact.
Loosie Tonga Stevens is also in contention after scoring the try that sealed the 25-14 win.
“We’ve got plenty of competition for starting places for the final,” Tuapawa said.
“It should make for a couple of interesting training sessions this week.”
YMP coach Steve Smith said that — apart from Brian Whaitiri-White, who came off with a knee injury — he had “no injury problems”.
“Brian will be OK; he’s tough.”
Smith will also have Poverty Bay midfielder Te Peehi Fairlie available after a suspension.
“Do I start with my strongest team or stick with the guys who started last week? That won’t be decided until I see how training goes.
“As for training, we won’t be doing anything different to what we’ve been doing all season, apart from tapering off the contact work getting closer to the game.
“The boys were rapt to get to the final but — and I’m sure Jason (Tuapawa) feels the same — we want to win it.”
Both coaches said they were hoping for a dry day.
“If we get that, it should be a cracker of a game,” Smith said.
Tuapawa agreed.
“Both teams like to attack and if the conditions are good I’m sure you’ll see a great final.
“It’s not just the backs who can attack.
“Like us, YMP have forwards who love to run the ball.”
