Hurricanes v Chiefs: Grand Final 2026 Preview
The stage is set for the Grand Final
The stage is set for a blockbuster conclusion to the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, with the Hurricanes and Chiefs preparing to clash in a sold-out Grand Final at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday night.
Kick-off at 7:05pm, with anticipation soaring since last weekend’s semi-finals confirmed a first-ever Grand Final meeting between the two New Zealand rivals.
The Hurricanes enter the decider as the competition’s pace-setters, having lit up Super Rugby Pacific with a breathtaking attacking style that has produced an astonishing 104 tries this season.
Standing in their way are the battle-hardened Chiefs, who will contest their fourth consecutive Grand Final and arrive in the capital full of confidence after an impressive semi-final victory over the Crusaders.
Tickets for the Grand Final were exhausted within 15 minutes of going on sale, ensuring a capacity crowd will create an electric atmosphere for what promises to be a memorable night in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final details
Hurricanes v Chiefs
Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Saturday 20 June 2026
Kick-off: 7:05pm NZT
Gates open: 5:00pm
Live coverage: Sky Sport 1 from 5:30pm
Hurricanes settle on familiar combination
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has named a settled side for the club's first Grand Final appearance since lifting the title in 2016.
The only enforced change comes in the second row, where Isaia Walker-Leawere is promoted to the starting side to partner Warner Dearns after Caleb Delany was ruled out with concussion following last week's semi-final win over the Blues.
The only other alteration to the run-on XV sees Devan Flanders return from concussion to start at blindside flanker in what will be his final Hurricanes appearance. He joins co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi and No. 8 Peter Lakai in the loose forwards.
Laidlaw has retained the same front row of Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi, while the backline remains unchanged, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love combining in the halves.
Co-captain Jordie Barrett partners Billy Proctor in midfield, while wings Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby link with fullback Callum Harkin in the back three.
Jacob Devery and Brad Shields return to a familiar reserves bench alongside Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova and Kini Naholo.
"It’s great news that we can welcome back Devan Flanders and pick a settled team at this stage of the season. That’s something we’re grateful for," Laidlaw said.
"It’s a massive weekend, we’re excited and can’t wait to get into it.
"A home final in front of a sold-out stadium, it doesn’t get much better than that."
Hooker Asafo Aumua believes the opportunity to contest a final means even more for a group that has grown together through both highs and lows.
"Most of the players started around the same time, some of them are leaving this year. We’re striving for the same goal and there’s another little drive for us to, hopefully, win."
Moorby echoed the sentiment, highlighting the connection that has developed within the squad.
"It’s great to see us playing well together and gelling. It’s a great environment and culture, and we’re vibing off each other."
Hurricanes Grand Final team
- Xavier Numia
- Asafo Aumua
- Pasilio Tosi
- Isaia Walker-Leawere
- Warner Dearns
- Devan Flanders
- Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-captain)
- Peter Lakai
- Cam Roigard
- Ruben Love
- Fehi Fineanganofo
- Jordie Barrett (co-captain)
- Billy Proctor
- Josh Moorby
- Callum Harkin
Hurricanes reserves
- Jacob Devery
- Siale Lauaki
- Tyrel Lomax
- Brad Shields
- Brayden Iose
- Ereatara Enari
- Jone Rova
- Kini Naholo
Hurricanes v Blues: Semi-final highlights
Chiefs embrace another title opportunity
For the Chiefs, Grand Finals have become familiar territory.
Head coach Jono Gibbes has made two changes to the side that defeated the Crusaders, with injuries forcing adjustments in the backline.
Centre Lalakai Foketi is unavailable, allowing Kyle Brown to slot into midfield, while Leroy Carter comes onto the wing with Liam Coombes-Fabling shifting to fullback following an injury to Isaac Hutchinson.
The visitors will also be without influential All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi, who remains in concussion protocols.
Despite those setbacks, the Chiefs are embracing the challenge of taking on the competition leaders on their home turf.
"You work hard to be given this opportunity, and it is satisfying to be in this position," Gibbes said.
"But we also know there is one more game to win.
"The Hurricanes have been the pace-setters throughout the season, and it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home."
Saturday’s decider will also mark a significant milestone for No. 8 Simon Parker, who is set to play his 50th match for the Chiefs.
Second five-eighth Quinn Tupaea knows exactly what awaits his side.
"Their attack’s amazing. We’ll have our hands full and will have to be at our best on Saturday," Tupaea said.
"Everyone says championships are won on defence, so our defence is going to have to be at its best to hold them out."
Hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho said the Chiefs' experience of reaching four straight finals has strengthened the squad's belief.
"We’re looking forward to going down there and giving it a good crack.
"After last week’s performance, we got a lot of confidence and belief in what we do and we’re using that as a guide to where we want to be this weekend."
Chiefs Grand Final team
- Ollie Norris
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- Sione Ahio
- Josh Lord
- Tupou Vaa’i (vc)
- Samipeni Finau
- Luke Jacobson (c)
- Simon Parker
- Cortez Ratima
- Damian McKenzie
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- Quinn Tupaea (vc)
- Kyle Brown
- Leroy Carter
- Liam Coombes-Fabling
Reserves
- Brodie McAlister
- Jared Proffit
- George Dyer
- Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Kaylum Boshier
- Xavier Roe
- Josh Jacomb
- Reon Paul
Chiefs v Crusaders: Semi-final highights
More than a match: Stan Walker to headline Grand Final entertainment
The action on the field will be matched by a spectacular entertainment programme, with acclaimed Aotearoa artist Stan Walker set to perform at halftime.
Fresh from winning the Te Māngai Pāho Mana Reo Award at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, Walker will bring his trademark energy and powerhouse vocals to rugby's biggest stage in the Pacific.
The former Australian Idol winner has a long-standing connection with Super Rugby, having performed at the 2013 final in Hamilton when the Chiefs secured back-to-back titles with victory over the Brumbies.
More than a decade later, Walker returns to the Grand Final stage as the Chiefs chase another championship — this time against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
"There's something special about performing in front of rugby fans," Walker said.
"The energy and the pride people have for their teams is unreal.
"I've got great memories of performing at the 2013 Final and I can't wait to be back for another huge night in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington."
Adding to the occasion, Signature Choir will perform the New Zealand national anthem before kick-off.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley believes Walker is the perfect fit for the showpiece event.
"The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is about bringing together the very best of our game and celebrating the unique culture of our competition," Mesley said.
"Stan Walker is one of Aotearoa's most iconic performers and we are thrilled to have him as part of the occasion."
Eyes up, title on the line
The Hurricanes boast the competition's most potent attack and the advantage of a passionate home crowd.
The Chiefs bring the experience of consecutive Grand Final appearances and a proven ability to perform under pressure.
Both sides have promised fast, physical, instinctive rugby.
As Tupaea put it: "Whoever can pull it out best at the weekend can come away with the title."
Under the lights at Hnry Stadium, with more than 34,500 fans packed into a sold-out venue and Stan Walker set to ignite halftime, Super Rugby Pacific's biggest night promises to deliver a fitting finale to a thrilling 2026 season.
