Ruben Love will make his first start of the season at first five-eighth, Billy Proctor returns to partner Jordie Barrett in midfield and young hooker Vernon Bason debuts off the bench as the Highlanders host the table-topping Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
The Hurricanes lead the ladder after five rounds but have faced only bottom-half teams.
Highlanders co-captain Hugh Renton returns for the first time since April 2025, Jonah Lowe is back and Reesjan Pasitoa starts at 10 with Cam Millar out (concussion).
The Hurricanes have won the last nine meetings between the two and dominate the head-to-head.
The Highlanders will meet the Hurricanes at 6.05 tonight.
In other games, the Brumbies will face the Chiefs at 8.35pm.
Tomorrow, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will meet the Reds at 3.35pm in Lautoka, Moana Pasifika host the Crusaders at 6.05pm, while the Waratahs play the Blues at 8.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co
