Highlanders vs Hurricanes Super Rugby preview as the teams meet at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The Hurricanes have come into Round 6 at the top of the Super Rugby Table, having played four games. The Highlanders currently sit 7th after five games, but four teams, including the Hurricanes, have played one fewer game. The Hurricanes will look to pick up a win to keep their run at the top of the table, even with fewer games played.
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Highlanders vs Hurricanes confirmed lineups and team news
Highlanders (1-15):
De Groot, Taylor, Ta’avao, Haig, Howden, Withy, Casey, Renton, Fakatava, Pasitoa, Nareki, Tavatavanawai, Lowe, Tangitau, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements (16-23):
Vikena, Bartlett, Kautai, Cribb, Lasaqa, Lennox, Knewstubb, Tele’a
Hurricanes (1-15):
Numia, Aumia, Tosi, Delany, Dearns, Flanders, Lakai, Iose, Roigard, Love, Fineanganofo, Barrett, Proctor, Moorby, Harkin
Replacements (16-23):
Bason, Lauaki, Mafileo, Plummer, Shields, Kirifi, Enari, Sullivan
Recent Form:
Highlanders (Home team): L-W-L-L-W
The Highlanders lost away to the Crusaders in round five. They took an 18-12 lead shortly after half-time, but the Crusaders scored 17 unanswered points to come out 29-12 winners. The Highlanders had, however, started the season with a narrow win over the Crusaders, and their only other win came against the Western Force. They have also had a narrow loss to the Chiefs, but did lose heavily to the Reds.
Hurricanes (Away team): W-W-L-W-L
The Hurricanes have started with three wins from four this season, with their only loss coming away to the Fijian Drua. In the last round, they picked up a relatively comfortable win against the Western Force 31-23. They had a 31-11 win with 10 minutes remaining, and the Force scored two tries late to make the score a little more respectable.
Highlanders vs Hurricanes head-to-head record (last five matches):
| Date | Competition | Winner | Score |
| 16th May 2025 | Super Rugby | Hurricanes | 24-20 |
| 14th March 2025 | Super Rugby | Hurricanes | 18-20 |
| 1st June 2024 | Super Rugby | Hurricanes | 41-14 |
| 30th March 2024 | Super Rugby | Hurricanes | 12-47 |
| 8th April 2023 | Super Rugby | Hurricanes | 14-29 |
The Hurricanes have dominated this fixture, having won the last nine games in a row against the Highlanders. The last two meetings have been won against the Hurricanes by four points or less. The Hurricanes have known the last five games away from home against the Highlanders.
How to watch Highlanders vs Hurricanes?
Highlanders vs Hurricanes will be available to watch on Sky Sports+. Coverage starts at 6 am for a 6:05 am kick-off.
