Clare will move to second-five after a campaign at centre, with the new NZ Heartland XV selection eager to prove a point after being sidelined for a fortnight with suspected concussion from being taken out during Wanganui's frustrating 15-8 loss to Horowhenua-Kapiti on October 7.
"It's experience and temperament - talking to the younger boys," said Caskey.
Young Ethan Robinson moves back to the bench, but is also bracketed thanks to the surprise return of the team's top tryscorer Timoci Seruwalu, who likewise hasn't played since that game.
"He's taken [the cast] off, he trained on Tuesday," said Caskey.
"We'll see a bit more tonight [Thursday]. Make sure it's not going to damage him."
Centre Kaveni Dabenaise (knee) and reserve halfback Tom Stewart (back) are likewise not 100 per cent, but thanks to having depth available again, Caskey will take no chances with a sixth Meads Cup on the line, despite each player swearing on whatever deity they can they are ready to go.
'It's not just listening to what they say, I've learnt from that in the past.
"It's up to the physio."
Cade Robinson trained both days this week so keeps the reserve locking spot ahead of Josh Lane, but no doubt the key man will be Wanganui's other fresh NZ Heartland XV selection Sam Madams, who made sure Heartland coach Barry Matthews got his number with a dynamic performance down south.
"Well deserved to be in there," said Caskey.
"Outstanding workrate, that's obviously his strength. He worked himself to a standstill [in semifinal]."
Always preferring a well-rounded, attack-positive style of game, Wanganui's contrasts with Horowhenua-Kapiti could not be more obvious.
The heavens opening on October 7 suited the home side right down to the soggy wet ground, but even with reasonable weather forecast for tomorrow, Wanganui would be naive to think it's just going to take a simple lift in intensity.
Unbeaten at home, Horowhenua Kapiti kept their cool against a desperately unlucky Buller last Saturday, with radar-like James So'oialo kicking his sixth penalty with 30 seconds left to win 18-17, after Buller played 20 minutes of the first half with 14 men but scored two tries in the last 15 minutes.
Forwards Tyson Maki, William Lander, Robin Praat and captain Ryan Shelford will do everything they can to frustrate Wanganui, spoil their lineout, spend time on the ball, tackle hard and give So'oialo every chance to win the game.
"They're not the flashest or most dangerous attacking team in the competition, but they know what they do," said Caskey.
"Nothing wrong with that - it's obviously worked for them. They've only lost once.
"We got our ideas on what we know how to play."
But given his team have taken to dubbing themselves "the Battler Boys" - a play on their official Butcher nickname - Wanganui like the fact this final is a real challenge.
"It's quite nice not to be red-hot favourites for once. That probably changes a bit coming into the weekend," said Caskey.
"[Horowhenua-Kapiti] have to feel it, especially if they have a big home crowd."
Kickoff is 2.30pm.
The Wanganui lineup is
1.Viki Tofa/Kamipeli Latu; 2. Cole Baldwin (c); 3. Hamish Mellow; 4. Sam Madams; 5. Campbell Hart; 6. Tremaine Gilbert; 7. Jamie Hughes; 8. Bryn Hudson; 9. Lindsay Horrocks; 10. Dane Whale; 11. Cameron Crowley; 12. Craig Clare; 13. Kaveni Dabenaise; 14. Simon Dibben; 15. Nick Harding.
Reserves - Forwards: 16. Roman Tutauha (vc); 17. Kamipeli Latu/Viki Tofa; 18. Cade Robinson; 19. Angus Middleton. Backs: 20. Tom Stewart; 21. Ethan Robinson/Jim Seruwalu; 22. Samu Kubunavanua.
