The Highlanders have wins over the Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues, and a win over the Hurricanes would give them a 50 per cent record for the season and the scalp of all the other sides.
Apart from claiming third place by sneaking ahead of the Blues, there was also a chance to take winning momentum into the trans-Tasman competition.
It was with mixed feelings that coach Tony Brown welcomed wing Sam Gilbert back from a knee injury. Gilbert had a brief introduction to Highlanders rugby last year, but now he was back Brown hoped he could have a good run during the remainder of the season.
"He's played a couple of games and is really excited to get back out there," he said.
His return was tempered by a season-ending leg stress fracture for Marino Mikaele-Tu.
"It's a bit consistent with the rest of our guys. We seem to be losing two guys a week on average at the moment. It's a big disappointment for him so, hopefully, he can come back and have another good [National Provincial Championship]."
It was disappointing the side had not won consecutive games in the season.
"Whatever happens against the Hurricanes, it's going to be one of those campaigns where we lost a couple of games that we shouldn't have.
"It'll always be the disappointing thing at the end of this campaign…that we should be in the final," he said.
However, Brown said once they had completed their game with the Hurricanes they would look forward to the trans-Tasman competition. They host the Reds in their first game, and it would be a big game for them.
The Hurricanes have beefed up their rearguard with Julian Savea on the right-wing and Billy Proctor at centre. Wes Goosen wasn't considered due to a thigh injury. Salesi Rayasi has retained the left-wing berth.
Proctor gained his place ahead of Peter Umaga-Jensen who will come off the bench.
Coach Jason Holland said: "We love his [Proctor's] work rate, and the way he organises both our attack and our D [Defence]," Holland said. "Peter will have a different role coming off the bench, with a bit of intent there."
With the New Zealand leg of their season offering no reward, Holland said they were playing for pride, especially after feeling devastated at their injury-time loss to the Chiefs last week.
"It's something we have talked about, to put on a performance our loyal fans and members will be proud of, and that's a key motivation for us.
"We have been really close in a number of games this season, and we feel we are not far away. There's no doubt the Highlanders will feel exactly the same and the way the two sides play, it is going to be a match not short of opportunities given the positive intent we have," he said.