Chiefs (2) v Crusaders (3), FMG Stadium, Hamilton, Friday, 7.05pm
Injuries to No8 Wallace Sititi and centre Kyle Brown have forced the only two changes to the Chiefs’ starting XV.
Lalakai Foketi will move into centre from the wing to accommodate a fit-again Liam Coombes-Fabling, while Samipeni Finau will start on the blindside flank with Simon Parker moving to No8.
History may not be everything, but the Crusaders will be comforted by two facts: they beat the Chiefs in Hamilton 43-33 earlier in the season, and they have won their last five finals games against them. Even so, the Chiefs can point to their record of nine wins in their last 10 games and three semifinal wins.
All Blacks and Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i said 2026 is a different year, and what matters most is what they do on Friday. He added that the key for the Chiefs is to stay composed for the full 80 minutes.
“There’ll be a lot of emotions going in and out of our heads, but I think the longer we can stay composed and poised, we can come out with the win.
“There’s a cliche that defence wins games, and it’s going to come down to our defence.
The Crusaders will have the same mindset. That’s the point of difference between the two teams and that’s how you win games.”
First five-eighths Damian McKenzie, who is playing his 150th game for the Chiefs, said, “We are excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and what we need to do to win.
“In playoff rugby there are small margins and moment you have to nail. We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position.”
Crusaders coach Rob Penney knows what the Chiefs will be feeling after their earlier losses to the southerners this season. He then noted that last year the Chiefs beat them twice, before the Crusaders beat them in the back end.
“Last year, the Chiefs beat us twice, and then we beat them in the back end. You take nothing for granted at this stage of the competition. All the teams are even and capable of inflicting wounds on each other.
“It’s just about being right at the right moment, and being where you need to be. There’s no guarantees and it’s brutal from now.”
Having tighthead prop and All Black Fletcher Newell back is a bonus, especially with the set piece likely to be crucial.
“Set piece always is crucial, and countering each other will be a big part of it, and the pre-match talk is about which pack is going to start to get dominance. It will be little moments. We’re well aware of their strengths and how important the set piece will be.
“Fletcher has got the ability to do special things out of the blue and he’s a very explosive man. He has played phenomenally for us and we’re blessed to have him back this week.”
Newell said he is feeling confident his knee has recovered and is looking forward to contributing to the team this week.
“They’re [the Chiefs] a quality side, and the last times we’ve played them have been tough. We’re looking to go up there and play a good brand of footy. We’ve got full trust in our group, and we’ll set ourselves up for the best opportunity to go up there and put on a good performance.
“We love going up against the Chiefs. They have got a good scrum, lineout and a lot of big leaders. These are the games you want to be part of.
“We’ve got a lot of trust in our scrum. It has developed nicely over the last few weeks and we know these are the games we need to step up with our set piece. We’ve done that in the past and it’s [about] trying to replicate that this week.”
Hurricanes (1) v Blues (4), Hnry Stadium, Wellington, Saturday, 7.05pm
Two 23-point winning margins over the Blues in their last two encounters will be a boost for the Hurricanes at home as they take on the northerners. They have never met in the Super Rugby playoffs. The Hurricanes go into the game having lost their last three playoff games, while the Blues have lost two. If the Blues lose, it will be the first time they have lost three consecutive playoff games.
Another boost for the Hurricanes is the return of the season’s leading try scorer, and the joint record holder of most tries in a season (16), wing Fehi Fineanganofo, the only change in the side from last week’s win.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said, “It is a bonus being able to pick a consistent team where a couple of guys who have been injured are coming back in. [Prop Siale Lauaki is on the bench after recovering from an injury].
“We feel grateful for that. We’re expecting a tough semifinal. At this time of the year, the four best teams are left. The team has prepared with the intensity this game deserve.”
Flanker Brad Shields will play his 142nd game to become the third most capped Hurricanes player, while No8 Peter Lakai is the seventh Hurricane to post his 50th game in 2026.
Assistant coach Jason Holland, who will coach the Blues next year, said that while playing a semifinal at home is exciting, they need to understand they must be at their best to reach the final.
“We’re not trying to reinvent anything, we’re not trying to find a little bit of magic. It is about the simple parts of the game around our carry-clean, around our work rate, all the little things we’ve been talking about for years. It’s important we continue to do what we’ve been doing and to enjoy the footy we’re playing.”
Halfback Cam Roigard is wary of the Blues’ threat.
“I don’t think the past few weeks will be a reflection of how they’re going to play. They’re going to be physical. They’ve still made a semifinal [despite losing four consecutive games] which comes down to the performances they put in at the start of the season to create a buffer for them. So, they’ll be throwing everything at it.”
Compared with the Hurricanes' selection solidity, the Blues have made several changes. Beauden Barrett starts at fullback, Hoskins Sotutu starts at No8 and Finlay Christie will start at halfback. Xavi Taele will play at second five-eighths with AJ Lam at centre and Cole Forbes on the right wing.
Blues coach Vern Cotter said they are excited about their chance.
“We know what’s waiting for us in Wellington. Finals rugby is about embracing that and earning the right to keep your season alive. The Hurricanes have been the competition’s most consistent team and will be tough to beat at home.
“But we’re prepared well and are looking forward to the contest.
“The group has shown resilience all season. We’ve had plenty of injuries and challenges, but the players continue to stay in the fight.”