Super Rugby Pacific reaches its final four this weekend, and the two New Zealand-hosted semi-finals have thrown up an intriguing pair of selection calls — Beauden Barrett shifted to fullback for the Blues, and Damian McKenzie set for a milestone 150th match for the Chiefs.
The Hurricanes, who host the Blues at Wellington's Hnry Stadium on Saturday night, enter as heavy favourites after a record 66-12 demolition of the Brumbies in their qualifying final. Coach Clark Laidlaw has made just one change to his starting side, with leading try-scorer Fehi Fineanganofo returning from a hamstring injury on the wing. Fineanganofo tied the record for most tries in a Super Rugby season (16) before the injury intervened.
All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard insists the favourites tag will not breed complacency in a side chasing its first final since 2016. "It's always good when fans and punters are acknowledging that we're playing pretty well," Roigard said. "That can potentially come with a little bit more pressure because if we don't play well, then there's a bit of ammo there, but it doesn't change anything inside our camp."
The Hurricanes have been dumped out at the quarter-final stage in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and lost a 2024 semi-final to the Chiefs. "Now we have an opportunity to create a bit of history and hopefully get a home final, which hasn't happened for 10 years," Roigard said. He was wary of writing off a Blues side on a four-match losing run. "I think it would be silly to think that they are going to be a team that's going to fold over. I don't think the past few weeks will be a reflection of how they're going to play."
Assistant coach Jason Holland, who takes over as Blues head coach next year, expects a backlash from the visitors and echoed there was "no chance of complacency" in the camp. "I've got no doubt [the Blues] will be excited about coming down here, too, the mentality around [the media] writing them off, just the mindset to get into us, really."
The Blues, who scraped into the semis as the highest-ranked qualifying-final loser after a 52-31 defeat to the Crusaders, have been boosted by the return of Beauden Barrett. Coach Vern Cotter has named the veteran playmaker at fullback in place of the injured Zarn Sullivan, keeping Stephen Perofeta at fly-half.
"We know what's waiting for us in Wellington and we're excited about the challenge. Finals rugby is about embracing that and earning the right to keep your season alive," Cotter said. "The Hurricanes have been the competition's most consistent team and they will be tough to beat at home, but we've prepared well and are looking forward to the contest. This group has shown resilience all season. We've had plenty of injuries and challenges, but the players continue to stay in the fight."
The other semi-final pits the Chiefs against defending champions the Crusaders in Hamilton on Friday, with McKenzie marking his 150th appearance for the club — only the third player to reach the milestone. "We have been working really hard throughout the year to put ourselves into playoff contention and to play my 150th against the Crusaders in the semi-final is special," McKenzie said. "In play-off 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."
The Crusaders welcome back All Blacks tighthead Fletcher Newell from a knee injury. "I just had a full week of training and did everything I could to give myself the best opportunity to be out there," Newell said. Coach Rob Penney was relieved to have him available. "Fletch has played phenomenally for us, and we're blessed to have him back this week," Penney said. "You need all your top weaponry available at this time of year, and his experience is going to be very valuable."
The winners meet in next week's final.
