Chiefs out to dethrone Crusaders in Super semis, red-hot Canes host Blues

June 11 : The Waikato Chiefs have the chance to reach a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific final but they'll have to dethrone the reigning champion Canterbury Crusaders in Hamilton on Friday to remain on track for a first title since 2013. 

The Chiefs had their title dreams crushed by the Crusaders in the 2023 and 2025 finals with a loss to the Auckland Blues in 2024 completing their sorry recent record in title-deciders. 

The Blues go into Saturday's second semi-final against the Wellington Hurricanes as heavy underdogs after only sneaking into the last four by virtue of being the highest-ranked loser in last weekend's first round of playoffs.

The Chiefs and Crusaders, by contrast, stormed into the semi-finals with big wins to set up the mouthwatering clash at Waikato Stadium. 

"We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win," said Chiefs flyhalf Damian McKenzie, who will play his 150th Super Rugby match on Friday. 

"In playoff rugby there are small margins and small moments you have to nail. We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position."      

McKenzie was in fine form in last week's 46-24 win over the Queensland Reds but concussions for powerhouse number eight Wallace Sititi and centre Kyle Brown have ruled them out of the semi-final. 

Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi replaces Brown in the midfield, while Samipeni Finau comes in at flanker with Simon Parker moving to the back of the scrum in place of Sititi.

The 13-times champion Crusaders have hit form just at the right time and they will be looking to rack up a fourth straight win over the Chiefs, a streak that includes a 43-33 victory in Hamilton in February. 

Crusade