DUNEDIN, 21 February 2026 – The Highlanders and the Chiefs have renewed their fierce New Zealand rivalry tonight at Forsyth Barr Stadium for Round 2 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Both sides entered the clash with momentum following opening-round victories, but the Chiefs arrived in Dunedin carrying a significant psychological advantage, having dominated this fixture over the last three seasons.
Match Overview: Round 2 Clash
Kick-off took place at 7:05 pm local time in Dunedin. The Highlanders, led by Jamie Joseph, are looking to build on a strong start to the season that included a notable win over the Crusaders last week. However, the Chiefs have proven to be their “bogey team” in recent years, entering this match with a seven-game winning streak against the southern franchise.
Early reports from the ground indicate a high-intensity encounter, with Leroy Carter already crossing the line for the Chiefs to continue their clinical form. The Highlanders’ pack, featuring Ethan De Groot and Jack Taylor, has been tasked with neutralizing a powerful Chiefs front row led by Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Head-to-Head History
The historical data highlights a period of sustained dominance for the Waikato-based Chiefs. Since 2022, the Highlanders have struggled to find a way past the Chiefs’ defensive line, with the Hamilton side winning 100% of their last five encounters prior to today.
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 May 2025 | Super Rugby Pacific | Chiefs Win | 41–24 |
| 19 April 2025 | Super Rugby Pacific | Chiefs Win | 46–10 |
| 23 March 2024 | Super Rugby Pacific | Chiefs Win | 28–21 |
| 5 May 2023 | Super Rugby Pacific | Chiefs Win | 52–28 |
| 10 March 2023 | Super Rugby Pacific | Chiefs Win | 28–7 |
Key Match Stats & Trends
- Winning Streaks: The Chiefs have won the last seven consecutive matches against the Highlanders.
- Home Advantage: Despite playing under the roof in Dunedin, the Highlanders have found it difficult to defend their home turf against the Chiefs, who have maintained a high scoring average of 39 points in recent meetings.
- First Try Impact: Statistically, the team that scores the first try in this fixture goes on to win 80% of the time.
Lineups for Today’s Match
The following players were named in the starting XV for the 21 February 2026 fixture:
| Position | Highlanders | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Loosehead Prop | Ethan De Groot | Jared Proffit |
| 2. Hooker | Jack Taylor | Samisoni Taukei’aho |
| 3. Tighthead Prop | Rohan Wingham | George Dyer |
| 4. Lock | Oliver Haig | Josh Lord |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Highlanders vs Chiefs match being played?
The match is being held at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.
What was the result of their last meeting?
Prior to today’s game, their last meeting was on 30 May 2025, where the Chiefs secured a 41–24 victory, bolstered by a hat-trick from Tupou Vaa’i.
How can I watch the game?
In Australia and New Zealand, the match is being broadcast live on Sky Sport and Stan Sport, with live updates available via the NZ Herald and RNZ.
Who is the current coach of the Highlanders?
The Highlanders are currently coached by Jamie Joseph, who returned to the franchise to lead their 2026 campaign.