Super Rugby Pacific preview: Only New Zealand in the semi-finals

Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes scores during the Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final between the Hurricanes and Brumbies at Hnry Stadium. — Cam Roigard’s Hurricanes host the bumbling Blues in Wellington this weekend. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

We are down to four and there is not an Australian in sight.

For the first time in Super Rugby history, no Australian side will feature in the semi-final.

The Chiefs, looking to end three consecutive finals defeats, host a Crusaders side peaking at the perfect time.

The very lucky losers, the Blues have somehow managed to sneak into the semi, but face a daunting task in the Hurricanes who embarrassed the Brumbies last weekend.

Some big names are back, records may be broken, and the stage is set for a duo of delectable derbies.

Selection notes

Damian McKenzie will play his 150th match for the Chiefs while Lalakai Foketi will start at centre and Samipeni Finau comes into blindside flanker with Simon Parker moving to number eight.

Beauden Barrett returns to start at fullback for the Blues, with Hoskins Sotutu back at number eight and Finlay Christie returning at halfback.

Xavi Taele has been named at second five with Cole Forbes on the right wing.

For the Crusaders, Fletcher Newell is back from injury, Braydon Ennor coming into the starting lineup at centre.

At the Hurricanes, Brad Shields will overtake Dane Coles as the third-most capped player for the franchise in his 142nd, and number eight Peter Lakai notches 50.

Fehi Fineanganofo completes his return from injury. He joins right wing Josh Moorby and fullback Callum Harkin in the outside backs.

Injury ward

Zarn Sullivan has been ruled out for the Blues with a foot injury, Sam Nock is sidelined with a broken hand, and Malachi Wrampling is suspended.

For the Chiefs, Kyle Brown, Tyrone Thompson, and Wallace Sititi are all sidelined with concussion.

As is Hurricanes flanker Devan Flanders.

The Crusaders will be without Dallas McLeod and George Bell.

Key stats

Hurricanes flyer Fehi Fineanganofo needs one more try to surpass Ben Lam and Joe Roff’s season record of 16.

The Hurricanes have lost their past three semi-finals.

The Crusaders have won their last three against the Chiefs.

Chiefs first-five Damian McKenzie leads the competition’s point scoring chats with 121.

Chiefs vs Crusaders

Kick off 7.05pm Friday 12 June

FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs:

1. Ollie Norris 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Sione Ahio 4. Josh Lord 5. Tupou Vaa’i (VC) 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Luke Jacobson (C) 8. Simon Parker 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Kyren Taumoefolau 12. Quinn Tupaea (VC) 13. Lalakai Foketi 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling 15. Isaac Hutchinson.

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Jared Proffit 18. George Dyer 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi 20. Kaylum Boshier 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Leroy Carter.

Crusaders:

1. Finlay Brewis 2. Codie Taylor (VC) 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Antonio Shalfoon 5. Jamie Hannah 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Taha Kemara 11. Sevu Reece 12. David Havili (C) 13. Braydon Ennor 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Johnny McNicholl.

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. Jack Sexton 18. George Bower 19. Tahlor Cahill 20. Dom Gardiner 21. Kyle Preston 22. Rivez Reihana 23. Macca Springer.

Hurricanes vs Blues

Kick off 7.05pm Saturday 13 June

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes:

1. Xavier Numia 2. Asafo Aumua 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Caleb Delany 5. Warner Dearns 6. Brad Shields 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (C) 8. Peter Lakai 9. Cam Roigard 10. Ruben Love 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett (C) 13. Billy Proctor 14. Josh Moorby 15. Callum Harkin.

Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu 17. Siale Lauaki 18. Tyrel Lomax 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere 20. Brayden Iose 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Jone Rova 23. Kini Naholo.

Blues:

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 2. Bradley Slater 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu c 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Anton Segner 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Xavi Taele 13. AJ Lam 14. Cole Forbes 15. Beauden Barrett.

Bench: 16. Eli Oudenryn 17. Mason Tupaea 18. Flyn Yates 19. Josh Beehre 20. Che Clark 21. Taufa Funaki 22. Pita Ahki 23. Payton Spencer.

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