Dunedin have squeezed in a few drinks as well.
The wait will end for one of the sides tomorrow.
The Grizzlies are chasing their first title since 1978, while the Sharks last tasted victory in 2013.
Green Island beat defending champions Southern 45-34 in an exciting semifinal at Bathgate Park last weekend and can arguably claim the favourites’ tag.
They have beaten Dunedin twice already this season. They edged them 18-10 at Kettle Park in the opening round and won 29-19 at Miller Park in the final round robin game on June 29.
Green Island coach Hayden Finch is not sure that qualifies them as favourites, but it does give them a boost.
"It definitely gives you confidence," Finch said.
"But those games were so tight. We know we’ll have to stay in the battle for 80 minutes."
The Grizzlies last made the final in 2021 but lost 21-17 to Taieri. They scored three tries but super-boot Cameron Miller kicked six penalties and Caleb Leef landed a drop goal to help the Eels claim the title.
It hurt. And some of the hurt still lingers.
Outside back Levi Harmon broke his leg about two minutes into the 2021 final and his recovery was glacial. Tomorrow offers him the opportunity to forge a much better memory at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Prop Shane Fikken, who has been playing international rugby for the Netherlands this year and missed the early part of the campaign, also played in that game. Hooker Heath MacEwan and Jesse Va’afusuaga are returnees as well.
First five Finn Strawbridge would have had a chance at redemption but he has been ruled out due to concussion symptoms.
Finn Hurley will slot into first five in Strawbridge’s absence and will be charged with running a potent backline.
Highlanders duo Sam Gilbert and Oliver Haig are expected to start from the bench, while halfback James Arscott may start depending on whether regular Grizzlies halfback Daniel Smart is fit to play.
Dunedin would be hoping to control the final through their mastery of set pieces, coach Giff Henry said.
"It is pretty hard to go away from our DNA — that is what got us here," he said.
"So, yeah, we’ll be leaning on that. But, also, within the stadium there are opportunities to open up and play more expansively."
They eked out a 22-15 win over University in a tense semifinal at Kettle Park.
Dunedin captain Joe Cooke was influential in the midfield and outside back Joshua Augustine impressed with his pace, while veteran loose forward Hame Toma carried strongly.
First five Cameron Burgess shapes as another key player, while prop Rohan Wingham and lock Reuben Palmer will attempt to get the Sharks on the front foot.
