Counties Manukau prop Kalolo Tuiloma will be a key to Bombay's title aspirations. Photo/Photosport
In the favourites corner, we have Bombay, gunning for a fourth straight McNamara Cup, and on the underdogs side, we have Karaka, still seeking that elusive maiden Counties Manukau premier title.
It is too simplistic to call this decider a battle of Bombay's pack versus Karaka's backs, because there is nothing wrong with Bombay's backs and Karaka's forwards.
But there is no doubt that Bombay's formidable and experienced pack is their launching pad, and has laid the foundation for their 16-3 record in 2017.
Though they have lost centre Sam Vaka to French club Agen, the likes of Joshua Stol and Patrick Masoe have stepped up too good effect in midfield.
Bombay put six tries on Ardmore-Marist in last weekend's 32-10 semifinal victory, which impressed coach Jeff Marr, who has helmed the side during this tenure.
"There was a lot of good stuff," Marr says. "We were accurate with a lot of what we did and that set up the ball we wanted.
"I rate our backs - look at what they did to Ardmore-Marist - but we have a strong pack and have done so for the last four years."
The ledger is tied at 1-1 in 2017, with Karaka winning comfortably in the first round and Bombay turning the tables in blizzard-like conditions in the second round.
That pack, where tighthead prop and Steelers rep Kalolo Tuiloma, and Steelers lock Matiaha Martin are key, will be aided by a bench full of impact, from Haamiora Clarke, promising young prop Daniel Perez and former NZ Schools utility back George Taina.
Former Manu Samoa No 10 Ki Anufe pulls the strings, along with halfback and co-captain Liam Daniela.
Marr says they have not shied away from using the carrot of winning four straight as motivation.
"Last year, we played down the three-peat, but the boys are right up for this one," he says.
Karaka will not have access to Blues reps Augustine Pulu and Pauliasi Manu, although both were attendees at training during the week. They will likely have Baden Kerr off the bench, after he was in doubt due to a calf injury.
They have already lost flanker Jamie Gilbert-Clark to a shoulder injury before the semifinal, which they narrowly won 20-15 over Patumahoe.
But Karaka possess enough X-factor to trouble Bombay in Ikale Tahi Tonga fullback Kali Hala, New Zealand Under 20s five-eighths Orbyn Leger, who will operate at second-five, and prolific tryscoring halfback Desma Liaina.
Young No 10 Scott Allison has made a good fist of the pivot role in the absence of Kerr.
Former Counties five-eighths/fullback and Karaka coach Craig Hill has taken his charges to their third final in four seasons, but knows they will not be favoured, especially in the wet.
"We understand that we are underdogs, so we probably haven't got a lot to lose playing a team in their fourth final in a row and that has been pretty stable in that period, but our boys are ready to go," says HIll. "I don't think there's any nervousness, as such.
"We will have to be at our best and very good in the set-piece. That's what let us down in the second round against these guys.
"We just failed to win our ball, so we were defending a lot. To have a chance to win this, we need to win our ball to bring our backs into play."
Hill has been delighted with how many of the younger faces, some of whom played in the 2016 premier two final, have progressed. They do not have the burden of playing in those 2014-15 final defeats.
Both clubs are also contesting the premier two final, while Karaka's depth is evident in the fact they are in all four senior finals, so this is a big day for them.
Counties Manukau premier club final: Bombay v Karaka
McNamara Cup
ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Saturday, 2.45pm
Bombay: Jordan Goldsmith, Tulolo Tulolo, Joshua Stol, Patrick Masoe, Sepu Taufa, Kia Anufe, Liam Daniela, David O'Connell, Mitchell Thackham, Joshua Allan, Matiaha Martin, Johnny Kawau, Kalolo Tuiloma, Shaun Muir (c), Coree Te Whata-Colley
Reserves: Haamiora Clarke, Daniel Perez, Tulele Masoe, Jimmy Conaglen, George Taina, Cory Teina, Reuben Unga
Karaka: Kali Hala, Sunia Vosikata, Jonah Refiti, Orbyn Leger, Walter Fifita, Scott Allison, Desma Liaina, Peti Lauese, Antonio Kata, Seluini Molia (c), Raymond Fuilala, John Fifita, Avea Momoisea, Timote Asi, Russell Coutts
Reserves: Siulongoua Fotofili, LeeRoy Atalifo, Soakimi Havili, Dylan du Plessis, Vuga Tagicakibau, Baden Kerr, John Luteru