Super Rugby final 2026: Hurricanes and Chiefs name teams for Wellington clash

The Hurricanes and Chiefs have made minimal changes to their sides for Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final in Wellington.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has named an unchanged backline, but made two alterations to his starting pack, headlined by the return of loose forward Devan Flanders. Flanders - who has missed the last three weeks after a head knock early in the round 15 clash with the Highlanders - starts at blindside with veteran Brad Shields moving to the reserves.

The second change is in the middle of the pack where a concussion has ruled out lock Caleb Delany, meaning Isaia Walker-Leawere will partner Warner Dearns.

There’s one further change on the bench as hooker Jacob Devery comes in at the expense of Raymond Tuputupu.

Clark Laidlaw says it's a massive weekend and they can not wait to get into it.

“A home final in front of a sold-out stadium, it doesn’t get much better than that.” 

Meanwhile, a pair of backline injuries have triggered changes to the Chiefs run-on side.

Kyle Brown starts at centre due to a calf injury to Lalakai Foketi, while a knee injury suffered scoring a try in last week's semi-final means Isaac Hutchinson misses the decider. Liam Coombes-Fabling shifts from wing to fullback, with six-test All Black Leroy Carter elevated from the reserves to the right wing for his first start since Super Round in late April.

Midfielder back Reon Paul joins the Chiefs bench. Number eight Wallace Sititi was not considered as he remains in concussion protocols.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes acknowledges the Hurricanes have been the pace setters throughout the season and says it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home.

“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.”

HURRICANES (1-15) Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc) Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (cc) Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin

RESERVES (16-23) Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo

CHIEFS (1-15) Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i (vc), Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson © Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea (vc), Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling

RESERVES (16-23) Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Koui, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Reon Paul