Chiefs forward Wallace Sititi in action during their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Hurricanes. Photo: photosport
A Chiefs side inspired by rampaging No.8 Wallace Sititi upset the Hurricanes 30-19 to set up a Super Rugby Pacific final against the Blues.
The Chiefs scored two of their three tries in the opening six minutes to take control of the semi-final in Wellington and a perfect six-from-six shots at goal from first five-eighth Damian McKenzie kept them in front.
The Blues will host the all-New Zealand final at Eden Park on Saturday after they beat the ACT Brumbies 34-20 in Friday's first semi-final.
It's a chance for one team to make amends after both lost finals to the Crusaders over the last two seasons, with the Chiefs falling short last year.
They will chase their first title since winning back-to-back finals in 2012 and 2013, while the three-time champion Blues last claimed the full Super Rugby silverware in 2003.
The top-qualifying Hurricanes were favoured to advance in front of their home supporters and stretch their winning streak at home to 10 matches.
Peter Lakai of the Hurricanes scores try. Super Rugby Pacific semi final - Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday 15 June 2024. Mandatory credit: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
However, they were rocked onto the back foot early on and couldn't recover from a 17-7 halftime deficit, with McKenzie dictacting play with his boot in general play as well as amassing 15 points.
However, the standout performer was 21-year-old Sititi, whose breakthrough performance included numerous effective charges with the ball and some thunderous defence.
It was his 60m surge midway through the second half which set up a try for winger Daniel Rona at a point where a Hurricanes fightback appeared to be gathering momentum.
Player of the match Wallace Sititi told Sky Sport the Chiefs knew a strong opening was crucial.
"We started really well and I think that set us alight," he said.
"We made a few errors and let them back in the game but we were able to fight back and get momentum again.
"We talked about heart, accuracy and effort and we can't fault the effort out there, but the job ain't done yet."
Daniel Rona of the Chiefs scores try. Super Rugby Pacific semi final - Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday 15 June 2024. Mandatory credit: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The Chiefs lost fullback Shaun Stevenson to an undisclosed injury before kickoff while their All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho limped off with a leg ailment midway through the first half.
The visitors were also twice reduced to 14 players, with Samipeni Finau shown a yellow card for a late collision in the first half and fellow-flanker Luke Jacobson sanctioned the same way for a similar offence after the break.
However, their defence largely held firm, reducing the threat of a Hurricanes attack which has terrorised defences this season.
Cortez Ratima of the Chiefs dives over to score a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final - Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 15 June 2024. Copyright photo: Masanori Udagawa / www.photosport.nz Photo: Masanori Udagawa
The Chiefs raced 14-0 ahead through sweeping tries to Finau and scrum-half Cortez Ratima.
Both were converted by McKenzie, who added a penalty before the Hurricanes got a foothold in the game, crossing through flanker Peter Lakai.
McKenzie's second penalty stretched the lead to 13 points before a high-octane Hurricanes attack ended in a try to fly-half Brett Cameron.
The match swung on an intercept from Sititi as the Hurricanes threatend to go in front, storming downfield to set up Rona's try.
A 50m penalty goal from McKenzie was followed by a Hurricanes try to Billy Proctor but the hosts couldn't pull off a miracle over the dying minutes.
Hurricanes captain Brad Shields said his side never found their rhythm after their slow start.
"Those two tries the Chiefs got were a bit of a shock, I suppose," he told Sky Sport.
"We're just gutted because if you look back on our season, we're extremely proud of what we've achieved and put ourselves in a really good position. We just couldn't get there tonight, which is tough to take."