The much awaited rematch of last year's Investec Super Rugby final is finally here and it promises to be a night of high drama and fireworks at Westpac Stadium.
Tale of the tape
Just one point separates the Hurricanes and Highlanders in the New Zealand conference. The winner of this clash will move level with the Crusaders and Chiefs at the top of the ladder and leave a big gap back to the fourth placed side.
The Highlanders come into the match in good form after vital wins over the Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders, while the Hurricanes are coming off a bonus point win over the Reds, a result achieved without five senior players, who were stood down for breaking a curfew in South Africa.
Hurricanes five return
The Hurricanes are bolstered by the return of the five players who were stood down for the victory over the Reds.
Out wide, Julian Savea and Cory Jane slot into the wing positions, while Victor Vito and Ardie Savea come into the loose forwards and prop Chris Eves returns to the bench.
Not only do the returning players add star power but also an added motivation to perform after missing a team curfew in South Africa.
Match ups
Take your pick, but a few stand out.
Halfback TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith are the best in the business and their battles are always a joy to watch as they scrap over every moment. Both men are crucial to their team's chances.
At first five it's Beauden Barrett's electric speed versus Lima Sopoaga's varied kicking game. Both are deadly, both control their team's attacks. Both are match winners.
In the loose forwards, Brad Shields and Elliot Dixon are two blindsides at the top of their games, while No 8s Victor Vito and transplanted former Crusader Luke Whitelock are both pictures of consistency this season.
And what about the two up and coming centres. Matt Proctor is emerging as a complete packager in the No 13 jersey for the Hurricanes, while Matt Faddes is the Highlanders leading try scorer so far this season.
And all that without even mentioning the clash of Julian Savea and Waisake Naholo on the wings. It's exhausting just talking about this match.
Bench power
In what is expected to be a brutal clash, the reserves bench will play a big role. The Hurricanes boast impact in spades off the bench with Vaea Fifita, who has proven to be one of the most devastating ball runners in Super Rugby, and props Loni Uhila and Chris Eves providing plenty of power and Ngani Laumape a power punch in the backs.
For the Highlanders bit loose forward Liam Squire is a handful for any team when he comes into the action.
Be there!
This is the match that Hurricanes fans have been waiting 10 long months for - the chance to avenge last year's Super Rugby final loss. A bumper crowd is expected for this clash which will have huge implications on the play-offs race.
Teams: Hurricanes: 15 James Marshall14 Cory Jane 13 Matt Proctor 12 Vince Aso 11 Julian Savea 10 Beauden Barrett 9 TJ Perenara (vc) 8 Victor Vito 7 Ardie Savea 6 Brad Shields 5 Michael Fatialofa 4 Blade Thomson 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen 2 Dane Coles (c) 1 Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Chris Eves, Lonu Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson Park, Ngani Laumape, Jason Woodward.
Highlanders: 15: Ben Smith 14: Waisake Naholo 13: Matt Faddes 12: Malakai Fekitoa 11: Patrick Osborne 10: Lima Sopoaga 9: Aaron Smith 8: Luke Whitelock 7: Dan Pryor 6: Elliot Dixon 5: Tom Franklin 4: Alex Ainley 3: Josh Hohneck 2: Ash Dixon 1: Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: 16: Greg Pleasents-Tate 17: Aki Seiuli 18: Siosiua Halankonuka 19: Mark Reddish 20: Liam Squire 21: Fumiaki Tanaka 22: Marty Banks 23: Teihorangi Walden.