Cortez Ratima of the Chiefs celebrates a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final - Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on 15 June, 2024. Photo: Photosport / Masanori Udagawa
The Chiefs capitalised on a fast start to upset the Hurricanes 30-19 in their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final in Wellington, setting up a title-deciding match against the Blues.
The visiting side scored two of their three tries in the first six minutes while first five Damian McKenzie landed all six of his shots at goal in a 15-point haul.
It was a disappointing end to the season for the top-qualifying Hurricanes, whose nine-match winning streak at home came to an end.
The Chiefs were beaten finalists last year and will hope to go one better when they face the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Team lists
Hurricanes: 1 Pouri-Rakete-Stones, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Justin Sangster, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6 Brad Shields (c), 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 TJ Perenara, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Ruben Love
Bench: 16 James O'Reilly, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 James Tucker, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 22 Richard Judd, 23 Bailyn Sullivan
Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Rameka Poihipi, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Emoni Narawa 15. Shaun Stevenson
Bench: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Daniel Rona.