Semi-final 1: Crusaders vs Blues
Friday, June 13: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5:05pm kickoff AEST)
The Crusaders will head into the first semi-final of the Super Rugby Pacific without Tamaiti Williams, as the All Blacks prop has been sidelined due to a knee injury.
Replacing Williams in the starting line-up is former Test prop George Bower, marking the only alteration to Rob Penney’s team.
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Coach Rob Penney of the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Getty
The Crusaders maintain an astonishing 30-0 record in home playoff matches.
“It’s fantastic to have the Blues visiting; it’s one of those remarkable events. The rivalry between the two teams runs deep,” Penney remarked.
“Historically, home advantage plays a significant role for any sports team. We hope to attract a great crowd this week, as it always provides the players with a tremendous boost of energy—there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere created by Crusaders fans…
“Going back to before Super Rugby, the Canterbury vs Auckland rivalry is deeply rooted in both areas, heightened in ’98 when Smithy (Wayne Smith) took the team there and secured the title.
“Since then, the intensity of the rivalry has only grown.”
Blues head coach Vern Cotter has also made a single change, with Zarn Sullivan taking over from Corey Evans at fullback.
Rieko Ioane of the Blues reacts. Getty
The Blues enter this semi-final as the defending champions, having secured a victory over the top-ranked Chiefs last weekend.
“Should’ve killed me when you had the chance,” centre Rieko Ioane quipped after their win.
“We anticipate a tough contest and need to maintain our precision. The clarity in our plans has been excellent this week, and the boys are prepared for battle. We’re excited about the challenge,” Cotter stated.
“We’re putting the pieces together at just the right time of year. The players know how to seize crucial moments, and that’s our aim again come Friday night.”
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Semi-final 2: Chiefs vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday, June 14: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5:05pm kickoff AEST)
The Chiefs have introduced a more powerful back row to face the Brumbies in Saturday’s second semi-final.
All Blacks standout Wallace Sititi, along with Luke Jacobson, has been named in Clayton McMillan’s starting team.
After a surprising benching during the Blues last weekend, Sititi returns, while Jacobson rejoins the squad after recovering from injury.
Wallace Sititi of the All Blacks celebrates with the Bledisloe Cup. Getty
The pair replace Simon Parker and Kaylum Boshier, with the Chiefs also welcoming back centre Quinn Tupaea from injury in place of Gideon Wrampling.
“The Brumbies have established themselves as the premier Australian side. They are seasoned, well-coached, and know how to clinch tight games. Their recent performace against the Hurricanes demonstrated their ability to be clinical and adept under pressure,” McMillan commented about the Brumbies.
“Their style of rugby is distinctive, structured with a robust set piece and smart kicking strategy—and we’re ready for that.”
“This week is all about showing physicality, maintaining discipline, and trusting our game plan to rise to the occasion.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has opted to keep the same starting 23.
“The boys are peaking beautifully at this stage. I thought they played extraordinarily well last weekend,” Larkham said.
“Our selection reflects their recent performances, emphasizing our desire for continuity heading into the finals which is a luxury at this point of the season.
“We will ensure we control our emotions this week. The boys can draw lots of confidence from the way we’ve been playing. Numerous stats highlight that we’ve been executing well and showing consistency throughout the season.
“We certainly expect a larger crowd for finals rugby on Saturday. When we play in Hamilton, we know the crowd will be vocal with their cowbells, and they have a deep passion for their team. It should make for a fantastic atmosphere for both teams.”
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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