DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND – FEBRUARY 23: Lima Sopoaga of the Highlanders looks on during the round two Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 23, 2018 in Dunedin, New Zealand. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)

Super Rugby: Hurricanes vs Highlanders – team news, kick-off time and live stream

The Saturday Super Rugby focus switches to New Zealand as the Hurricanes and the Highlanders contest the game of the round at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

by Anton Smith

23-03-2018 08:00

in Rugby

It’s the Super Rugby game of the weekend as the Hurricanes face the Highlanders in a Kiwi derby showdown on Saturday.

The rivals square up at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium with both in good form.

Reigning champions the Crusaders were dispensed with 29-19 by the hosts after a stirring performance last time out.

A 34-9 success in Buenos Aires also helped to banish the ‘canes opening day blues when they subsided to John Mitchell’s Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

The visitors are three for three to start 2018.

With the Hurricanes putting their feet up for a bye last weekend, the Highlanders followed their lead in seeing off the Crusaders.

A 25-17 win was their reward from a bruising encounter in Dunedin.

They’ve both toppled the champions, then, so what have they got in store for each other?

Brace yourselves for another New Zealand cracker.

Hurricanes team and injury news

Murray Douglas is in for the injured Vaea Fifita as the Hurricanes’ only change from last time out.

All the focus, then, is on TJ Perenara.

The All Black scrum half reaches his 100th appearance in yellow – and there’s no better time to do it than derby night.

Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields (captain), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Murray Douglas, 3 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Chris Eves.

Substitutes: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Fraser Armstrong, 18 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 19 Michael Fatialofa, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Richard Judd, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Vince Aso.

Highlanders team and injury news

Liam Squire misses out through injury, meaning a first start of 2018 for Elliot Dixon.

Tyrell Lomax also steps up from the bench to make his full debut for the Highlanders at prop.

There’s also space among the replacements for youngsters Marino Mikaele-Tu’u and Josh Ioane.

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Tei Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Shannon Frizell, 20 Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Matt Faddes.