Overview

• Auckland Blues edged Waikato Chiefs 20-19 in Hamilton after Josh Beehre’s try post-hooter and Beauden Barrett’s conversion secured the victory.
• ACT Brumbies overcame Wellington Hurricanes 35-28 in Canberra with a dominant forward display highlighted by hooker Billy Pollard’s two tries.
• Waikato Chiefs progressed as the highest-ranked loser under the revamped playoffs system despite leading 19-13 late in their quarterfinal.
• Canterbury Crusaders will host the Blues in Christchurch after a 32-12 quarterfinal win over the Queensland Reds.
• Chiefs will remain in Hamilton to face the Brumbies next weekend where no Australian side has won a knockout match on New Zealand soil for nearly 30 years.