The local rivalries reignite in Round 13 with the Blues and Hurricanes kicking off the round in a critical clash for the Auckland side. All five of the New Zealand teams are in action again in Round 13, with a veritable Super Saturday taking effect with three games featuring Kiwi clubs.
First cab off the rank is a must-win clash for the Blues, who will be looking to pick up as many points as possible to keep in touch with the remainder of the New Zealand conference. Now 10 points adrift of the fourth placed Chiefs, the Blues will be hoping to pick up maximum points from as many games as possible from here on out.
The Hurricanes come into this game red hot, however, having won their last eight games on the bounce. The Canes are undefeated since an opening-game loss to the Bulls (by just two points) and are enjoying what is now their longest ever regular season winning streak in Super Rugby.
The Hurricanes have won their last four New Zealand derbies on the bounce, including 3/3 in 2018, only once conceding 20 points or more in a game in that time. Meanwhile, the Blues' fortunes in local derbies is the polar opposite - the Auckland club are winless in their last 15 games against their fellow countrymen (D1, L14).