Wellington waits on Tialata news

Neemia Tialata

Wellington should soon have better idea whether Neemia Tialata will play any part in Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup final against Waikato.

The All Blacks prop is in danger of missing the match in Hamilton after sustaining a calf injury late in the semifinal win over Auckland on Friday night and he is set to meet with the Wellington medical team to take a closer look at the injury.

Meanwhile, Waikato coach Warren Gatland is gushing in his praise of the championship's form centre Richard Kahui, as Waikato builds up relatively injury free.

Gatland says Kahui is in his third season for Waikato and has served his apprenticeship, continuing to go from strength to strength. He says Kahui has the potential to turn into the next Stirling Mortlock as he is tall and when he stops growing, he is going to be an imposing figure with some outstanding rugby skills.

Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina and Kahui shrugged off injuries to play in the semifinal win over Otago.

Kahui says the excitement is already building as these are the games he dreamt about playing in as a kid.

Tickets for the final go on sale from 9am tomorrow, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $55.

Waikato CEO Gary Dawson is urging fans to get organised as the two sides are sure to attract a large crowd.

- NEWSTALK ZB