Coach Margaret McKenzie was the hero of the Pirates team that won the inaugural women's banner in 1990.
But since then, the best Pirates has managed is runner-up - on several occasions - to either University or Alhambra-Union.
McKenzie is confident its luck will change today, but Alhambra-Union has won the two games between the teams this winter 31-5 and 38-12.
McKenzie pins her hopes on the strong Pirates pack, expected to get the better of Alhambra-Union in the set phases.
Pirates has a strong front row.
Gemma Tuhega, Jessica Tuhega and Courtney Sullivan are all members of the Otago Spirit representative squad.
The locks are also strong, with Kylie Cathro the line-out specialist and Lauren Roney adding grunt in the tight exchanges.
There is also experience in the pack, with 40-year-old No 8 Karina Nafatali encouraging the youngsters.
Pirates also has speed in the backs with the back three of Brittany McKinnell, Jamie Greene and Sheree Hume capable of matching the fleet-footed Alhambra-Union backline.
Alhambra-Union's strength is its mobile loose forward trio of Ngamamae Rapata, Kerry Stoddart and Megan Kane.
Alhambra-Union likes to run the ball from all parts of the paddock and the linking work of the loose trio plays a crucial part in sustaining the momentum.
The exciting Alhambra-Union backline is spearheaded by halfback Kelly Brazier who has scored 368 points in club games this season.
She teams efficiently with Black Fern Carla Hohepa, who has scored 27 tries.
Winger Angela Taylor needs just one more try to reach 100 points for the season.
• Women's club final
Alhambra-Union v Pirates
University Oval, today, 1pm
Road to the final
Alhambra-Union: Beat Pirates 31-5, beat Collegiate 83-0, beat Kaikorai 114-0, beat Southern 92-0, beat Zingari-Richmond 68-0, beat University 103-0, beat Mataura 111-0, beat Pirates 38-12, beat Mataura 117-0, beat University 61-0.
Semifinal: Beat Mataura 142-0.
Pirates: Lost to Alhambra-Union 31-5, beat University 20-5, beat Collegiate 126-0, beat Mataura 85-5, beat Southern 60-0, beat Zingari-Richmond 92-0, lost to Alhambra-Union 38-12, beat University 42-5.
Semifinal: Beat University 49-20.
• Teams
Alhambra-Union: Charlotte Brock, Angela Taylor, Ashley Hooper, Janna Vaughan, Jess Watson, Carla Hohepa, Kelly Brazier (captain), Ngamamae Rapata, Kerry Stoddart, Megan Kane, Nicky Crawford, Michaela Smith, Christina Hawkins, Ema Tupai, Phillipa Love.
Reserves: Rachel Scott, Jenny Elder, Jess Hannah-Brennan, Sarah Kenna, Ngarangi Matthews, Kathleen Wilton, Monica Quaqua.
Pirates: Brittany McKinnell, Sheree Hume, Victoria Nafatali, Larissa Muir, Jamie Greene, Ainslie Johnston, Sam Wong, Karina Nafatali, Leyhana van Vugt, Rachel Ovens, Lauren Roney, Kylie Cathro, Courtney Sullivan, Jessica Tuhega, Gemma Tuhega.
Reserves: Margaret McCarrigan, Vanessa Macdonald, Christy Watkins, Lindsay Maxwell, Kristie Leonard, Greer Muir.
