Hurricanes v Chiefs - Teams and Prediction

FINAL PREVIEW: The Hurricanes and Chiefs will contest the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final after being the top two sides after the regular season.

It will be the Hurricanes’ first Finals appearance since winning their last title in 2016 against Johan Ackermann’s Lions, whilst the Chiefs have been the bridesmaids in the last three title deciders.

Both teams ended the season with 11 wins. Still, it’s the Hurricanes who finished top by virtue of four bonus-point wins for scoring three tries or more per game, which is evident in their superior points difference of +264, reflecting how many big wins they enjoyed during the regular season.

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Both teams have been forced into changes as they look to break their respective droughts.

The hosts are boosted by the return of Devan Flanders, who has overcome a concussion to start in the back row.

The only other change to the starting side comes in the second row as Isaia Walker-Leawere partners Warner Dearns.

Jacob Devery and Brad Shields have been added to the bench, with a sold-out crowd at Hnry Stadium already confirmed after all tickets were snatched up inside 15 minutes.

“It’s a hugely exciting week and game ahead. A home Final in front of a sold-out stadium, it doesn’t get much better than that,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“We’ve prepared really well at the start of the week. We’ve got no question about what’s coming from the Chiefs and how good they are.

“We know it’s going to be a tough battle, but it’s something we’re really excited about.

“It’s great news that we can welcome back Devan Flanders and pick a really settled team at this stage of the season.

“That’s something we’re really grateful for. It’s a massive weekend; we’re hugely excited and can’t wait to get into it.”

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are looking to avoid four straight defeats in the Grand Final, losing former Waratah and nine-cap Wallaby Lalakai Foketi to a calf injury.

Centre Kyle Brown comes into the starting side to replace him, joining vice-captain Quinn Tupaea.

The other change comes at fullback, with Liam Coombes-Fabling shifting from the wing to replace Isaac Hutchinson (knee), paving the way for All Black Leroy Carter to start.

Reon Paul has been added to the bench, whilst No.8 Wallace Sititi wasn’t considered as he continues to be managed following a concussion.

“You work hard to be given this opportunity, and it is satisfying to be in this position, but we also know there is one more game to win,” Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said.

“The Hurricanes have been the pace setters throughout the season, and it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home, but it is one we are looking forward to.

“Playing in front of a full house is always stimulating, and we know there will be plenty of Chiefs supporters in the crowd, ringing their cowbells loudly.”

Players to watch:

For the Hurricanes: Ruben Love has steered the ship for the hosts all season long, which sparked debate about whether he is the next All Black flyhalf. His partnership with the electrifying Cam Roigard is responsible for the Hurricanes’ ability to outscore their opponents with ease all season long. Jordie Barrett’s leadership and playmaking ability will be crucial to the Canes’ chances. In the pack, Japan international Warner Dearns showed his grunt and mettle throughout the season, and his partnership with Isaia Walker-Leawere will be crucial as the Canes love to attack from set-piece.

For the Chiefs: Centre Kyle Brown made his debut during the season and never looked back. His ability to put his outside backs into space and break the line could cause the Hurricanes some headaches. There will be a spotlight on the halfback combination of Damian Mckenzie and Cortez Ratima, who came up in big moments throughout the season to close out games. In the pack, Luke Jacobson’s leadership and ability to disrupt quick ball at the breakdown will be crucial, as it is something the Canes thrive off, whilst Tupou Vaa’i’s physicality can stem the tide of the Canes’ attack.

*See the teams and prediction below!

Saturday, June 20

Hurricanes v Chiefs

(Hnry Stadium, Wellington – Kick-off: 19.05 NZST; 07.05 GMT)

Prediction:

Rugby365: Hurricanes by five points

Teams:

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (co-captain), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo,10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Jone Rova, 23 Kini Naholo

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Kyle Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Sione Ahio, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Reon Paul

Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Reuben Keane (Australia), Louis Trisley (Australia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)

With additional reporting by @SuperRugby