Not since 1980 with Manawatu has a union outside the "big five" won the national provincial championship top title.
That will all change tonight when either home team and top qualifiers Taranaki or the young upstarts Tasman clash at New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium.
Both sides have maintained settled squads, andthe good news for Taranaki is that second five Charlie Ngatai, recently named the Maori All Blacks' captain, is clear to play after being a late scratching for the 49-30 extra-time win over Auckland in last weekend's semifinal.
Taranaki have no fewer than six in that Maori team. That might not seem surprising, given that Colin Cooper is coach of both the Maori and Taranaki, but all have played well during this ITM Cup.
Even the likes of tighthead prop Angus Ta'avao have played above themselves during the campaign, and the move from Auckland has been a boon for his stagnating career.
The reason Taranaki are hosting this Premiership final is that they stole a 31-30 victory in Nelson last month, thanks to a brilliant 55m solo try by wing Waisake Naholo, now signed to the Highlanders.
Tasman were taking no chances with their preparation, flying to New Plymouth on Thursday night. They are also content that Marty Banks - with 161 points in 2014 - and lock Alex Ainley have signed with the Highlanders, good grabs by coach Jamie Joseph.
