Highlanders vs Hurricanes: Super Rugby Aotearoa live scores

The Highlanders and the Hurricanes will both be looking for the win that will drag them back into contention when they meet at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:05pm (AEDT).

The Hurricanes, who currently sit 0-3, will be desperate to get off their duck and get some respectability on the standings while the Highlanders, who have only beaten the Chiefs, will be looking to sure up third place and aim to build momentum after their bye week.

The head-to-head record between these two teams sits at Hurricanes 18, Highlanders 14, with nine of those victories for the Highlanders being at home.

The Highlanders have made some dramatic changes to their squad coming off their bye, reinstating Mitch Hunt to the number 10 jersey and pushing Josh Ioane back to number 15.

They have also recalled Pari Pari Parkinson to the starting lineup and Ayden Johnstone comes on to the bench to add some beef into the tight five.

While the Hurricanes squad is yet to be named, it will be interesting to see if Orbyn Leger again gets the start in the number 10 jersey for such a pivotal match.

The Hurricanes will be looking for all of their experienced heads to step up in this one. Expect to see big games from Ardie Savea, Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett.

They simply cannot afford to lose this one.

For the Highlanders, look for Aaron Smith to do what he does best in controlling the pace and flow of the game. Jona Nareki continues to rise through the ranks as his stellar season continues, another try or two in this one and a black jersey may be on the horizon.

Prediction
With the return of Mitch Hunt into the pivot position to control the pace of the game, the Highlanders, coming off their bye, will prove too powerful for the Hurricanes in this one.

The last matchup between these squads produced 60 points amongst them, so look for tries galore and wide-open running rugby.

Game information

Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEDT)
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Online: Stan Sport
Odds: Highlanders $1.62, Hurricanes $2.28 (odds via PlayUp)

Teams

Highlanders
1. Ethan De Groot, 2. Ash Dixon, 3. Siate Tokolahi, 4. Bryn Evans, 5. Pari Pari Parkinson, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Billy Harmon, 8. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Mitch Hunt, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Sio Tomkinson, 13. Michael Collins, 14. Freedom Vahaakolo, 15. Josh Ioane

Bench: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. Ayden Johnstone, 18. Josh Hohneck, 19. Josh Dickson, 20. Kazuki Himeno, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 23. Connor Garden-Bachop

Hurricanes
1. Xavier Numia, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Scrafton, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Reed Prinsep, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Luke Campbell, 10. Orbyn Leger, 11. Salesi Rayasi, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Wes Goosen, 15. Jordie Barrett

Bench: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Fraser Armstrong, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Liam Mitchell, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23. Ruben Love