South Canterbury secured a home final with a 36–26 win over Wairarapa Bush, while Whanganui booked their place after an extra-time thriller with Horowhenua Kāpiti.
The two sides arrive in Timaru after very different semi-final journeys, setting up an intriguing contest at Fraser Park on Sunday.
South Canterbury
South Canterbury will be determined to make home advantage count after narrowly missing out on a place in the Meads Cup playoffs.
The Green and Blacks finished fifth in the round robin, despite recording five wins from eight matches. Their 59–22 victory over Poverty Bay in the final round was not enough to break into the top four, leaving them to turn their attention to the Lochore Cup.
They responded well in the semi-final against Wairarapa Bush, securing a 36–26 victory to earn the right to host Sunday's final.
Under new coach Luke Reihana, South Canterbury used 48 players during the regular season, including 12 debutants. Their attacking ability has been evident, but consistency has been a challenge at times. The final presents an opportunity to finish the campaign on a high and reward their home supporters with silverware.
Player to watch: Willie Wright and Siu Kakala
Veteran halfback Willie Wright made history last weekend, his 14-point haul against Wairarapa Bush took his career total to 608 points, making him the Heartland Championship's all-time leading points scorer and only player to surpass 600 points.
No. 8 Siu Kakala is another player to watch after scoring a hat-trick against Poverty Bay in the final round of the regular season. His ability to find the tryline gives South Canterbury another attacking option as they look to make the most of their home final.
Whanganui
Whanganui have had to work hard to earn their place in the Lochore Cup final, coming through a demanding semi-final against Horowhenua Kāpiti.
The Butcher Boys struck late in regular time to level the scores at 31-all, before scoring first in extra time. A try to Beniamino Vota and a crucial penalty from Tevita Asi helped Whanganui secure the win and keep their season alive.
It was a significant effort from a side that has shown its ability to deliver when the pressure is on. Whanganui have a strong history in Heartland finals and will be looking to draw on that experience as they head south.
Centre Alekisio Vakarorogo was a standout in the semi-final, scoring twice to take his career tally to 55 tries and become the Heartland Championship's all-time leading try scorer.
Players to watch: Alekisio Vakarorogo and Dane Whale
Vakarorogo's record-breaking season makes him an obvious player to watch. His ability to cross the tryline will be an important part of Whanganui's attacking threat as they look to challenge South Canterbury's defence.
Dane Whale is another key figure for the Butcher Boys, with the Whanganui centurion preparing for the final. His experience will be valuable in a match where composure and decision-making could make the difference.
What to expect
South Canterbury will look to make the most of playing at home, while Whanganui arrive with confidence after finding a way through a difficult semi-final.
Both teams have shown they can score points, but the final may come down to which side can best manage the pressure and take its opportunities. South Canterbury will want to build on their semi-final win and finish their season with a trophy, while Whanganui will be aiming to turn their finals experience into another successful campaign.
With silverware on the line and two sides that have had to work hard to reach the decider, the Lochore Cup final promises a fitting finish to the 2026 Hilux Heartland Championship.
Lochore Cup final
South Canterbury v Whanganui
Sunday 18 October, 1.05pm
Fraser Park, Timaru
Live on Sky