Since contesting the opening game of Super Rugby in 1996, the Blues and Hurricanes have been fierce rivals, with a history of thrilling encounters that have captured the imagination of fans worldwide. From dramatic last-minute victories to unforgettable moments of skill, the intense competition between these two New Zealand powerhouses has produced some of the most memorable moments in the history of the competition.

Ahead of their clash at Sky Stadium this Saturday, check out some of the key numbers and statistics from this great rivalry.

1: On March 1, 1996, the Hurricanes and Blues played the first ever game of Super Rugby. The game was staged in Palmerston North and saw the Blues come out on top 36-28 in a thrilling encounter. The Blues went onto win the inaugural Super Rugby title in 1996. 

11: The undisputed GOAT of the 11 jersey, Jonah Lomu, made his mark in Super Rugby playing for both the Blues and the Hurricanes. Lomu played for the Blues from 1996-1998, winning two titles in the process. After one season with the Chiefs in 1999, Lomu became a crowd favourite on the wing for the Hurricanes from 2000-2003 where he formed a lethal combination out wide with Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga. 

38: The Hurricanes and Blues have met 38 times with the Hurricanes winning 19, the Blues 18 and one match has been drawn.

1,007: The Blues have scored a total of 1,007 points against the Hurricanes.

954: The Hurricanes have scored a total of 954 points against the Blues.

51.6%: This is the average points scored in a Hurricanes v Blues fixture. 

6: The Blues have won their last six regular season matches against New Zealand opposition. 

32: The Hurricanes have made 32 offloads in the opening two rounds of Super Rugby – four more than any other team in the competition

1: There was just one-point in it the last time the teams met, with the Hurricanes prevailing 32-33 in round 2 of 2022 at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

3: It has been three years since the Hurricanes defeated Blues on their home track at Sky Stadium in Wellington. On 18 July 2020, the Hurricanes beat the Blues 29-27.

The Hurricanes host the Blues at 7.05pm NZT on Saturday 11 March at Sky Stadium in Wellington.