Tuirirangi (33) missed the last two games, against Auckland and Tasman, because of a knee injury.
He replaces Liam Coltman, who has been moved to hooker as the replacement for Sam Anderson-Heather, who was injured in the semifinal.
The return of All Blacks Tamati Ellison and Ben Smith was expected. Ellison replaces Jayden Spence at centre and Smith returns at fullback to replace Tony Ensor.
Spence and Ensor will sit on the bench in place of Michael Collins and Hugh Blake.
Tuirirangi played for the New Zealand Under-21 team in 1999 and has wide experience of first-class rugby for Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Chiefs and the Reds. He also played two years for the Leonessa club in Italy.
He helped lift University A into the semifinals of the Dunedin club championship after its poor start in the first round.
Tuirirangi is a strong scrummager, and the pick-and-go and driving play are features of his game. He is also like a concrete wall on defence with his tackling.
Blindside flanker Adam Thomson last week showed the value of All Blacks who return to the ITM Cup.
Ellison and Smith will stiffen the Otago backline defence and add direction to the attacks against a lethal Counties-Manukau backline.
They will relish the quick delivery of ball from Japanese international Fumiaki Tanaka, who has been one of the best halfbacks in the competitionGreen Island lock Jackson Hemopo, who impressed in his first-class debut against Tasman, has retained his starting spot. He shares the locking duties with the mobile Rob Verbakel.
Captain Glenn Dickson, who landed eight goals from nine attempts against Tasman, will again have the kicking duties.
Otago team
To play Counties
Ben Smith, Marshall Suckling, Tamati Ellison, Glenn Dickson, Buxton Popoali'i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Gareth Evans, Lee Allan, Adam Thomson, Rob Verbakel, Jackson Hemopo, Tama Tuirirangi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Shota Horie, Jacob Ellison, Adam Hill, TJ Ioane, Peter Breen, Jayden Spence, Tony Ensor.
Live analysis
Unable to get to Pukekohe tomorrow night? We've got you covered.
The Otago Daily Times website will be carrying live scoring and analysis of the championship final between Otago and Counties-Manukau.
Head to www.odt.co.nz from 7.30pm for updates and a chance to share your opinion.
