The Highlanders have only made one change to their starting side ahead of their must-win clash against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.
The Melbourne Rebels' slim hopes of making the Super Rugby Pacific finals have suffered a hammer blow as they lost to the Highlanders in heart-breaking fashion in Dunedin.
Aaron Smith, Sam Gilbert and Jonah Lowe are all back in the Highlanders’ run-on side this week for their must-win clash with the Melbourne Rebels.
The Highlanders have made nine changes to their starting side as they look to return to winning ways against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Sunday.
Just when the injury woes for the Highlanders looked to be easing, four players go down in the 24 hours before the round five match.
Two big name players are set to return for the Highlanders on Saturday when they take on the Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
After seven lead changes the Highlanders pulled away to secure a 43-35 victory and their first win of the season. Here's how they rated.
Sunday afternoon rugby makes a rare appearance on the Highlanders calendar with a game against the Western Force in Invercargill.
The Highlanders tough start to the season has gone from bad to worse after losing to the Chiefs 28-7 at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Friday evening.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific season debut on Friday as the Highlanders look to get their campaign back on track against the Chiefs.