Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Highlanders and the Hurricanes in Dunedin.

The Hurricanes are bracing for a “battle hardened” Highlanders side as they prepare for their first New Zealand derby of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Clark Laidlaw’s side has responded by going with a 6-2 bench split, with the Highlanders playing their fourth derby of the campaign.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge this week,” Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard said. “They’re going to be battle hardened and they’re going to be ready for this game.

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“It was an unfortunate result for them losing to the Crusaders, but back at home I know there’ll be plenty of passion and they’ll be wanting to get one back over I guess a New Zealand team.”

The Hurricanes will be without All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax due to an ankle injury, but Ruben Love will make his first start of the season at first-five-eights while Vernon Bason will make his debut off the bench.

For the Highlanders, they welcome back co-captain Hugh Renton for his first performance of the season having fully recovered from pelvis and groin surgery last year.

Reesjan Pasitoa earns his first start in the No. 10 jersey with regular first five Cameron Millar ruled out after with concussion, meaning former All Blacks Sevens star Andrew Knewstubb is in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

The Hurricanes are on a nine-game winning streak against the Highlanders, with their last loss against them coming in round 10 of Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2020.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph knows the importance of coming out on top.

“Every game’s important for us,” Joseph said. “We’re at the bottom of the table last year, so every point counts.

“It’s a tight competition this year. We’re round six [in] and we’re level headed with the Crusaders, that’s not a bad sign.”

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Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Te Kamaka Howden, 6. Sean Withy, 7. Lucas Casey, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Jonah Lowe, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Andrew Knewstubb, 23. Tanielu Tele’a

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin

Bench: 16. Vernon Bason, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Hugo Plummer, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22. Ereatara Enari, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

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