MOST of the players in tomorrow's Currie Cup final had not been born when Western Province and the Golden Lions last met in a final nearly 30 years ago, but the stakes remain the same.

The beautiful old trophy, first contested in 1892, is still the most prized title in South African rugby and this season the two best teams have progressed to the final.

Province coach Allister Coetzee was a relieved man yesterday when he named No 8 Nizaam Carr and centre Jaco Taute in the starting line-up for the final at Newlands.

Both had been injury doubts for the showpiece event but Carr overcame a hip pointer injury and Taute a rib problem in time.

Taute is the only change to the starting team that beat the Blue Bulls 31-23 in last weekend's semifinal with Michael van der Spuy dropping to the bench.

Lock Gerbrandt Grobler is the other change to the squad, coming in for prop Oliver Kebble.

Carr's inclusion in particular is a boost because he has been superb on defence, an effective ball carrier and a vital link player between backs and forwards.

In a match where defensive steel will be key, Carr's tournament-leading 181 tackles underlines his value to the team.

"Nizaam is feeling very good and Jaco gives us fullback cover as well," Coetzee said.

Coming the other way will be impressive Lions flank Jaco Kriel, who has been a phenomenal game-breaker for his team.

History, though, is against the Lions and this century there have only been four away winners in 14 finals. But the away team has won the last two finals, in 2012 and 2013.

In their last final, in 1986, two late tries by Province centre Goggie van Heerden saw the Cape side win 22-9 at Newlands.

Kickoff is at 5pm.