Overview
- The Queensland Reds fly to Hamilton to play the Waikato Chiefs in a single‑elimination qualifying final on Saturday, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.
- Chiefs selection is strengthened by the return of several All Blacks, including flyhalf Damian McKenzie and captain Luke Jacobson, giving them a heavy home advantage.
- The Reds will miss key forwards Hunter Paisami and Seru Uru through injury, forcing adjustments to their pack and set‑piece plans.
- Les Kiss has accepted the Wallabies head coach role and will take over after July internationals, so a Reds loss would likely mark his final match in charge of the club.
- Australian sides have never won a Super Rugby post‑season game in New Zealand and that 0‑21 record at away finals increases the pressure on the Reds while personal storylines such as Aidan Ross facing his former club and Fraser McReight’s 100th appearance add local motivation.