The Blues continued their salvage mission against Moana Pasifika while the Australian sides took four of the top six spots on the ladder after the Chiefs were knocked off in Sydney.
The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
Super Rugby Pacific's week-by-week Player of the Year voting system has been bringing fans an insight into which players have been impressing opposition the most in 2025.
Three changes have been made to help the Highlanders' chances against the Western Force in a battle of two teams with just three points separating them on the ladder.
The Brumbies' resilience steered them to a crucial win over the Highlanders on Friday night, with the game hanging in the balance until a late Len Ikitau try put the result beyond doubt.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.
Former All Blacks Sevens and New Zealand U20 flyer Caleb Tangitau turned heads on debut for the Highlanders.
Seven players will don Highlanders colours for the first time this weekend as the team gets their 2025 campaign underway in Sydney.