Overview

• The Blues stunned the top-seeded Chiefs 20-19 in Hamilton thanks to Beauden Barrett’s late conversion to earn a trip to Christchurch.
• The Crusaders bring a flawless 30-0 home playoff record into Friday’s semifinal but will be without injured All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams.
• The Chiefs advanced as the top-seeded “lucky loser” under the new format and will host the ACT Brumbies at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.
• The Brumbies have named an unchanged lineup after their 35-28 win over the Hurricanes and are aiming to secure the first Australian semifinal victory in New Zealand.
• Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan cautioned that there are no more second chances under the playoff format and praised the Brumbies as hardened, well-drilled opponents.