Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions - Highlanders can challenge Hurricanes in Dunedin

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 19 Mar 2026

Ralph Staniforth 19 Mar 2026

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Highlanders have won 2 of 3 home games, narrowly losing the third.
Hurricanes lead the table, winning 3 of 4 matches this season.
Highlanders hope to stay within +7.5 handicap against Hurricanes.

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Highlanders to challenge Hurricanes in Dunedin (Getty Images)

Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions

The Highlanders have put in some solid performances thus far, winning two of their three home games. Their one defeat on home soil came by just three points. I am backing the hosts on the +7.5 handicap.

Highlanders vs Hurricanes Predictions
Head to Head
Highlanders Form
Hurricanes Form
Highlanders vs Hurricanes Team News & Starting Lineups

Highlanders have won 2 of their last 3 home matches.
Highlanders average just 17 points per game against the Hurricanes in their last 10 encounters.
Hurricanes have won 3 of their last 4 matches
Hurricanes have won their last 9 matches against the Highlanders.

Head to Head

Hurricanes have won their last nine matches against the Highlanders.

Highlanders Form

The Highlanders are currently seventh on the Super Rugby table with two wins from their five matches. On 9 points, they are still well placed this early in the season.

In Round one, the Highlanders started with a bang, beating the Crusaders 25-23 at home. It was followed by a narrow 26-23 loss to the Chiefs away – both results an early sign of a good season for the Dunedin-based outfit.

Unfortunately, a week later, the Highlanders suffered a heavy defeat at the Reds before returning home to struggle past a very average Western Force side 39-31. Last weekend, the Highlanders lost 29-18 at the Crusaders.

Hurricanes Form

The Hurricanes are currently top of the Super Rugby table despite having only played four matches. They have won three and lost one.

On 15 points, the Canes have already picked up three bonus points. The season began with a 52-10 thumping of Moana Pasifika before a surprise 25-20 defeat to Fijian Drua in round three.

The Wellington-based outfit then hammered the Waratahs 59-19 in Sydney before narrowly escaping with a 31-23 home win over the Western Force last weekend.

Highlanders vs Hurricanes Team News & Starting Lineups

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton, 7 Lucas Casey, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Te Kamaka Howden, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Tai Cribb, 20 Veveni Lasaqua, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Andrew Knewstubb, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (captain), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia

Replacements: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.