The Highlanders’ opponent at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight is very much in the top echelon.
The Hurricanes have won five of their six games and occupied second place in the standings going into round seven.
Their only loss came against the Blues in round three, and they have run in a competition-high 35 tries so far.
They also lead the statistics in clean breaks, offloads and rucks won and are joint leaders in defenders beaten with Moana Pasifika.
The Wellington-based club is also near the top of metres carried.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, have clawed their way up the standings with three consecutive wins following a poor start to the season.
Those wins, though, have come against the Force, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.
They are all in the bottom half of the competition and may battle to make the top-eight playoffs. Time will tell.
But the Hurricanes represent a step up for the Highlanders, who will be hoping bridge the gap between the Super Rugby haves and have-nots.
They have strung together 13 consecutive losses against New Zealand teams, so there is that rather large hump to get over as well.
The home team will have to do that without their most experienced campaigner. All Black halfback Aaron Smith is unavailable as he has returned to Feilding to support his whānau, who are dealing with a family illness.
His absence will be partly offset by the return of lock Josh Dickson, All Black loose forward Shannon Frizell and robust hooker Andrew Makalio to the starting pack.
The make-up of the loose forward unit created a dilemma for coach Clarke Dermody this week.
Openside Sean Withy has been in impressive form, but drops to the bench, while powerhouse No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u will also start from the pine as he gradually makes his way back from injury.
Hugh Renton retains the No 8 jersey following some strong outings.
"It is great to be in that position now," Dermody said in response to loose forward stocks.
"It has been a long time coming through the injuries we’ve had. We’ve sort of only had the bare-bones to pick from, but now there is genuine competition, especially through the front row and also through the loose forwards.
"Sean Withy has been one of our outstanding players and he gets that opportunity off the bench now. I guess that puts a bit of pressure on the guys that are starting to make sure they nail [those opportunities].
Highlanders captain Billy Harmon acknowledged the heat was on in his own unique way.
"I’m probably pretty lucky to be wearing that captain’s armband — it has probably given me the start this week with the form that Withy has been in, and Hugh as well.
"It is no mistake, those are two of the hardest-working guys, and the effort is just translating into performances for them."
Folau Fakatava will start at halfback in Smith’s absence and James Arscott will provide cover from the reserves.
Utility back Scott Gregory has returned from a knee injury and makes his first appearances in the game day 23 this season; otherwise the backline is unchanged from last week.
The Hurricanes have made a raft of changes to the side which held on for a 45-42 win against the Force in Palmerston North.
The most notable sees the captain Ardie Savea return from his All Blacks rest week.
Super Rugby Pacific
Dunedin, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Mosese Dawai, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Folau Fakatava, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (captain), Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de
Groot. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Scott Gregory, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (captain), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Xavier Numia: Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
