Super Rugby final preview: Can the Chiefs derail the Cane train?

We are down to two.

Both the Hurricanes and Chiefs have historic hoodoos to overcome tomorrow night, but one will be crowned Super Rugby champions for the first time in over a decade.

Easily the two best sides throughout the season, both displayed their devastating attacking flair in dominant semi-final victories.

The Chiefs are not strangers to the big dance, having played in the past three grand finals, though they were beaten in all.

The perennial runners-up again carry the underdog tag, but will be buoyed by their victory over the rampant 'Canes earlier in the season.

It's razzle meets dazzle in the capital.

Selection notes

Number eight Simon Parker will play his 50th for the Chiefs.

Other changes will see Kyle Brown in at centre Leroy Carter to the wing, and Liam Coombes-Fabling shifting to fullback.

The only change in the Hurricanes starting team comes at blindside flanker, where Devan Flanders returns from concussion.

Injury ward

All Blacks flanker Wallace Sititi was not considered as he continues to recover from a nasty head knock.

Other Chiefs missing from the final include Isaac Hutchinson and Lalakai Foketi, while Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa and Etene Nanai-Seturo all remain sidelined.

For the Hurricanes, just lock Caleb Delany has been ruled out with concussion.

Key stats

The Chiefs have appeared in and lost the last three Super Rugby Pacific finals.

The Hurricanes have not won a title since 2016.

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to surpass Ben Lam and Joe Roff's season record of 16.

Super Rugby Final 2026

Hurricanes vs Chiefs

Kick of 7.05pm, Saturday June 20

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes:

1.Xavier Numia 2. Asafo Aumua 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Isaia Walker-Leawere 5. Warner Dearns 6. Devan Flanders 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-captain) 8. Peter Lakai 9. Cam Roigard 10. Ruben Love 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett (co-captain) 13. Billy Proctor 14. Josh Moorby 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: 16. Jacob Devery 17. Siale Lauaki 18. Tyrel Lomax 19. Brad Shields 20. Brayden Iose 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Jone Rova 23. Kini Naholo.

"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.

Chiefs:

1. Ollie Norris 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho 3. Sione Ahio 4. Josh Lord 5. Tupou Vaa'i (vc) 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Luke Jacobson (c) 8. Simon Parker 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Kyren Taumoefolau 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc) 13. Kyle Brown 14. Leroy Carter 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Bench: 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.

"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 Jonno Gibbes.