A New Zealand team will be crowned as the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific champions, with the Chiefs, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Blues progressing to the semi-finals.
The Hurricanes topped the standings after the regular season and set up a Qualifying Finals match-up with the Brumbies. Clark Laidlaw’s men made light work of the side from the Australian Capital.
They ran in nine tries to break the Bulls’ record for the most points scored in a Super Rugby play-off match as they cruised to a 66-12 victory.
Blues, Crusaders and Chiefs join the Hurricanes
On Saturday, the Crusaders booked their place in the final four by punishing the Blues‘ 20-minute red card period en route to a 52-31 win in Christchurch. The defending champions set up a semi-final date in Waikato while the Aucklanders are the ‘lucky losers’ this season as they progress to the last four after the Queensland Reds failed to knock over the Chiefs.
In becoming the competition’s ‘lucky loser’, Vern Cotter’s side are the designated fourth seed and will have to win back-to-back games away from home to claim the title.
The Chiefs were made to work hard for their spot in the final four and beat the last Australian team in the tournament, but Damian McKenzie shone on his return from injury, guiding his side to a 46-24 success. That result means that the Hurricanes will host the Blues in Wellington while the Chiefs welcome the Crusaders to the FMG Stadium in the final four.
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The semi-final action kicks off at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday 12 June with the Chiefs taking on the Crusaders, before the Hurricanes host the Blues at Hnry Stadium on Saturday 13 June.
The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final will take place on Saturday, June 20 with the top-seeded victorious team from the semi-finals hosting the competition’s showpiece event.
Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals, confirmed
Chiefs (2) v Crusaders (3)
Date: Friday, 12 June, 2026
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 (local NZST), 08:05 (UK), 09:05 (France), 09:05 (South Africa), 17:05 (AEST), 19:05 (New Zealand), 04:05 (Argentina), 16:05 (JST), 03:05 (EDT)
TV coverage: Sky Sport NZ, Stan Sport, SuperSport, Sky Sports (UK), ESPN, Canal +
Hurricanes (1) vs Blues (4)
Date: Saturday, 13 June, 2026
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:05 (local NZST), 08:05 (UK), 09:05 (France), 09:05 (South Africa), 17:05 (AEST), 19:05 (New Zealand), 04:05 (Argentina), 16:05 (JST), 03:05 (EDT)
TV coverage: Sky Sport NZ, Stan Sport, SuperSport, Sky Sports (UK), ESPN, Canal +