Chiefs vs Highlanders: Super Rugby Pacific preview- Recent form and head-to-head

Share
Home teamChiefs
Away teamHighlanders
VenueFMG Stadium Waikato
CompetitionSuper Rugby Pacific
Kick off time8:05 am (UK)
Watch Live in the UKSky Sports+

Chiefs vs Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific preview as the sides meet at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.

The Chiefs currently sit second in the table, having also played a game less than the teams in third, fourth and fifth. They are two points ahead of the Blues in third and eight points ahead of the Crusaders in fourth. They could still catch the Hurricanes in first place, who are five points ahead.

The Highlanders are seventh in the table on 24 points. They are able to move as high as fifth with the Brumbies five points ahead of them, although they could be caught by a team as low as ninth. 

Read more match previews for all your rugby action here

Chiefs vs Highlanders lineups to follow

ChiefsHighlanders
Forwards
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Backs
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Replacements
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Recent Form:

Chiefs (Home team): 

ResultDateCompetitionOpponentScore
Won8th May 2026Super RugbyRed21-31
Won26th April 2026Super RugbyFijian Drua42-22
Won18th April 2026Super RugbyHurricanes22-17
Won11th April 2026Super RugbyMoana Pasifika17-62
Won4th April 2026Super RugbyWaratahs42-14

The Chiefs have won six games in a row, making them one of the most in-form teams in Super Rugby. Of their five home games this season, they have won the last four, only losing their home season opener. In the last round, the Chiefs won away to the Reds. They took the lead shortly before halftime with a Damien McKenzie penalty and three second-half tries, giving them the 31-21 victory.

Highlanders(Away team): 

ResultDateCompetitionOpponentScore
Won9th May 2026Super RugbyWaratahs31-26
Loss2nd May 2026Super RugbyFijian Drua24-14
Won26th April 2026Super RugbyMoana Pasifika27-17
Loss17th April 2026Super RugbyBlues47-40
Loss10th April 2026Super RugbyBrumbies10-14

The Highlanders have won two of the last three matches, having only won one of the previous five before that. Their only away win this season came away to the bottom side, Moana Pasifika. In the last round, they convincingly defeated the Waratahs 31-26. They took a strong 28-7 lead into halftime. They conceded three tries in the second half, but kicked a last-minute penalty to seal the game by five points.

Chiefs vs Highlanders head-to-head record (last five matches):

DateCompetitionWinnerScore
21st February 2026Super RugbyChiefs23-26
30th May 2025Super RugbyChiefs24-41
19th April 2025Super RugbyChiefs46-10
23rd March 2024Super RugbyChiefs28-21
5th May 2023Super RugbyChiefs28-52

The Chiefs have won the last eight meetings between these sides, dating back to 2021, although the meeting earlier this year was only won by three points. In the two games last year, the Chiefs scored more than 40 points, winning both games by 17 or more points.

dave.sport

The Future of Sports News is Here

Be first to experience the new dave.sport app. Pre-register now for exclusive early access.

Get Early Access
Discover more from Read Rugby Union

Add Read Rugby Union as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting.

Follow

Jonny is a former rugby player in Ireland's club system and is an Ulster and Ireland fan. He has spent a number of years writing about football and this was what brought him to the Dave Sport Group. As an expert in Irish Rugby, his expertise also stretches to Super Rugby having lived in New Zealand previously.

View all articles →

Related