Kini Naholo will line up for the Hurricanes when they take on the Brumbies tonight in the first 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final.
After finishing the regular season in first place, the Hurricanes will be hoping for a win to secure a spot in the next round.
Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi and Xavier Numia will start in the front row, with Caleb Delany teaming up with Warner Dearns in the second row.
Co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi returns from a shoulder injury to start at openside flanker and forms a loose forward trio with Brad Shields at blindside flanker and Peter Lakai at No. 8.
Cam Roigard resumes his halves partnership with first five-eighth Ruben Love, while co-captain Jordie Barrett has overcome a hamstring injury to start at second five-eighth alongside centre Billy Proctor.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies will travel to Wellington with a point to prove.
The Australian side knows what it takes to bring down New Zealand opposition, having already recorded victories over the Crusaders, Chiefs, Blues and Highlanders this season.
Rob Valetini will partner with Luke Reimer and Charlie Cale in the loose forwards.
Declan Meredith will once again team up with Ryan Lonergan in the halves, with the duo looking to create space and unleash their outside backs.
The Brumbies will take on the Hurricanes at 7.05pm tonight.
In other qualifying finals, the Crusaders will host the Blues at 4.35pm tomorrow, while the Chiefs will meet the Reds at 7.05pm.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Ngane Punivai
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford
