Roar Guru
The final round of Super Rugby has arrived and in the fiercely competitive New Zealand conference champions the Highlanders host the Chiefs. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST)
The Chiefs lead the New Zealand conference, with the Highlanders in third.
The Highlanders can top the Super Rugby standings but they would need a bonus-point victory. The Chiefs can remain as conference leaders but unless the Crusaders draw with the Hurricanes they will need to win.
The Highlanders have won their last two matches with bonus points, and beaten the Chiefs in the last five meetings, but overall the Chiefs enjoy a 15-12 advantage, including a 7-6 edge in away matches.
For the Chiefs, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick returns from his rest last week, and discarded sevens veteran Liam Messam makes his first start of the season, bumping Same Cane from No.8 to 7.
Kane Hames, Nathan Harris and Atu Moli will start alongside each other for the second consecutive week, while the backs are unchanged from the line-up who ravaged the Reds 50-5 in Brisbane last Friday.
The Highlanders have made two changes in the front row and altered their midfield from last week. Daniel Lienert-Brown (prop) and Alex Ainley (lock) both return to the starting team after recovering from injury. Josh Hohneck moves to the bench and is joined by Liam Coltman, who has recovered from a lengthy injury break.
In the midfield, Malakai Fekitoa returns to second five-eighth and reunites with Matt Faddes, arguably the form centre of the competition, to reform what was a very effective midfield combination prior to the June break.
Prediction
Expect this match to be played at Test-match intensity. Territory will be key, but it should open up later. The Highlanders have had a huge travel schedule lately which could be a factor, but their bench is has delivered this season.
Highlanders by five.