Hurricanes gain one and lose one for Super Rugby Pacific final

The Hurricanes have been dealt some good news and some bad news on the injury front heading into this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific final.

The good news is that Devan Flanders is fit and available after missing the last three games through injury, and has been named to start on the blindside flank. The bad news is that Caleb Delany has been ruled out of the contest with a concussion. Isaia Walker-Leawere has been promoted to start in the second row.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has, as a result, opted for no specialist lock cover on the bench, instead backing Brad Shields in the No.19 jersey. The 35-year-old played 11 minutes at lock off the bench against the Brumbies at Super Round, and has had glancing minutes in the second row throughout his 16 years in professional rugby.

One further change on the bench sees Jacob Devery come into the No.16 jersey for Raymond Tuputupu, with the rest of the matchday 23 from last week’s semi-final win unchanged.

“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,” 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.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

60 - 5

57 - 21

66 - 12

47 - 14

45 - 28

60 - 5

49 - 12

46 - 24

59 - 34

36 - 32

4

Wins

3

3

Streak

1

36

Tries Scored

27

129

Points Difference

25

4/5

First Try

2/5

4/5

First Points

3/5

4/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

Hurricanes team for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific final

1. Xavier Numia (91)
2. Asafo Aumua (89)
3. Pasilio Tosi (52)
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere (92)
5. Warner Dearns (14)
6. Devan Flanders (69)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (105) – co-captain
8. Peter Lakai (50)
9. Cam Roigard (60)
10. Ruben Love (54)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (25)
12. Jordie Barrett (124) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (82)
14. Josh Moorby (53)
15. Callum Harkin (24)

Reserves

16. Jacob Devery (24)
17. Siale Lauaki (16)
18. Tyrel Lomax (74)
19. Brad Shields (142)
20. Brayden Iose (66)
21. Ereatara Enari (26)
22. Jone Rova (15)
23. Kini Naholo (38)

Injury list

Caleb Delany (concussion)
Taine Roiri (ribs)
Jai Tamati (knee)
Brett Cameron (knee)
Will Cole (calf)
Riley Higgins (shoulder)
Josh Timu (foot)
Drew Wild (shoulder)