What a huge weekend of finals!
Two teams eliminated, a shock result in Hamilton and just one Australian side remains. But now there's no more second chances, it's win or you're out.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, June 13
Crusaders vs. Blues
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEST)
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (captain), Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: George Bell, Tamaiti Williams, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Adrian Choat, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu'a. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes.
Officials: James Doleman; Assistants: Paul Williams, Fraser Hannon; TMO; Richard Kelly
Prediction: If last week's qualifier between the Blues and Chiefs was big, this weekend's opening semifinal is sure to bring the fireworks. Leaving their run to the finals late, the Blues made sure to turn up last weekend and sneaked their way into the semis with an after-the-siren try through Josh Beehre, but they can't rely on leaving it late this week when they travel south to Christchurch. With one of the most incredible finals records in sport, the Crusaders are unbeaten at home in finals after 30 matches and they'll be desperate to keep that record alive. With it all on the line, Vern Cotter has brought Zarn Sullivan into fullback, while Rob Penney has made just one change on the bench. Defence will be key for the Blues if they're to do the impossible and reach the Final, but given the Crusaders powerful forward pack, it could be difficult to keep them from the tryline. Crusaders by 7.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.36, -6.5 $1.90; Blues $3.10; +6.5 $1.90
Saturday, June 14
Chiefs vs. Brumbies
FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEST)
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Leli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistants: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: Much has been made of the the Brumbies being sent to New Zealand after winning last week's qualifier, but they'll need to put that behind them if they're to become the first Australian team to win across the ditch in a finals match. Their last three seasons have been ended in New Zealand and they'll need to produce something special if they're to kick the Chiefs from the competition. Bolstered by the return of Quinn Tupaea, the Chiefs backline has been given extra punch, but the Brumbies will be hoping they can replicate the Blues' defensive smarts from last weekend and bulldoze their way to the Final. Chiefs by 5
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.17, -10.5 $1.90; Brumbies $4.80, +10.5 $1.90