The race for the top seed in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season continues this weekend as the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in a crucial clash at Hnry Stadium on Saturday, May 23, 2026. With only two rounds remaining before the playoffs, the Hurricanes are in a commanding position at the top of the standings and another bonus-point win could almost guarantee first place heading into the postseason.
The Hurricanes have been one of the most dominant teams in the competition this year. Their attacking rugby, strong set-piece play, and defensive discipline have helped them build a five-point lead at the summit of the table. They also carry incredible momentum into this match after winning 10 straight games against the Highlanders, including a massive 50-point performance earlier this season in Dunedin.
For the Highlanders, this game represents a huge opportunity to upset the competition leaders and keep their own playoff hopes alive. Although they have struggled for consistency during the campaign, the southern side still possesses plenty of dangerous attacking talent capable of causing problems for any team in Super Rugby Pacific.
Match Details
| Match | Hurricanes vs Highlanders |
|---|---|
| Competition | Super Rugby Pacific 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, May 23, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 12:35 PM |
| Venue | Hnry Stadium |
Super Rugby Pacific – Live Score Update
Super Rugby Pacific – Final Result
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes | 28 | 17 | 45 |
| Highlanders | 14 | 14 | 28 |
Full Time
🏉 Hurricanes 45–28 Highlanders
📍 Venue: Sky Stadium
🗓 Saturday, May 23, 2026
Half Time
HT: Hurricanes 28–14 Highlanders
Hurricanes Try Scorers
- Moorby (1′)
- Naholo (8′, 42′)
- Kirifi (15′)
- Love (28′)
- Lose (51′)
- Enari (59′)
Hurricanes Conversions
- Love (2′, 9′, 16′, 29′, 43′)
Highlanders Try Scorers
- Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (24′)
- Tavatavanawai (40′)
- Lennox (49′)
- Casey (67′)
Highlanders Conversions
- Millar (25′, 40′, 50′, 68′)
Hurricanes Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Siale Lauaki |
| 2 | Asafo Aumua |
| 3 | Pasilio Tosi |
| 4 | Isaia Walker-Leawere |
| 5 | Warner Dearns |
| 6 | Devan Flanders |
| 7 | Peter Lakai |
| 8 | Brayden Iose |
| 9 | Ere Enari |
| 10 | Ruben Love |
| 11 | Kini Naholo |
| 12 | Jone Rova (C) |
| 13 | Bailyn Sullivan |
| 14 | Ngane Punivai |
| 15 | Josh Moorby |
Highlanders Predicted Lineup
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Lienert-Brown |
| 2 | Henry Bell |
| 3 | Saula Ma’u |
| 4 | Tomas Lavanini |
| 5 | Mitch Dunshea |
| 6 | TK Howden |
| 7 | Lucas Casey |
| 8 | Hugh Renton (C) |
| 9 | Nic Shearer |
| 10 | Cameron Millar |
| 11 | Jonah Lowe |
| 12 | Timoci Tavatavanawai (C) |
| 13 | Jona Nareki |
| 14 | Xavier Tito-Harris |
| 15 | Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens |
Key Players To Watch
The Hurricanes will once again rely heavily on Ruben Love and Josh Moorby to create attacking opportunities in open space. Captain Jone Rova and powerful forward Brayden Iose have also been outstanding throughout the season.
For the Highlanders, Timoci Tavatavanawai remains one of the most explosive midfield players in the competition, while veteran lock Tomas Lavanini brings physicality and leadership in the forward pack.
Live Score Updates
Fans can expect fast-paced action and plenty of scoring opportunities as these two New Zealand rivals battle for crucial competition points. The Hurricanes are favorites entering the match due to their current form and recent dominance in this fixture, but the Highlanders are more than capable of producing a surprise result.
Live score updates, key moments, tries, and final results will be updated throughout the match once kickoff begins at Hnry Stadium.
Match Preview and Prediction
The Hurricanes appear to have the stronger squad on paper and their attacking combinations have been nearly unstoppable in recent weeks. Their confidence is sky-high and home advantage could make the difference once again.
The Highlanders will need to slow down the Hurricanes’ tempo and dominate possession if they want to stay competitive deep into the second half. Discipline and defensive organization will also be critical against one of the highest-scoring teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
Prediction: Hurricanes to win by 15+ points in another entertaining Super Rugby Pacific showdown.