The Chiefs kept their title challenge on course with a 46-24 qualifying-final win over the Reds in Hamilton on Saturday, but the result was overshadowed by serious concern over Wallace Sititi after the influential loose forward suffered a heavy concussion in the first half.

The Chiefs had enough quality and composure to power through to a home semi-final, with Damian McKenzie driving the contest and Kyren Taumoefolau scoring twice in a commanding attacking display. Samisoni Taukei’aho, McKenzie and Isaac Hutchinson also crossed as the Hamilton side pulled clear after leading 22-17 at the break. Yet the biggest talking point came in the 18th minute when Sititi was left prone after a head clash in contact, in distressing scenes that briefly silenced FMG Stadium Waikato.

Early indications were at least encouraging. Sititi was later reported to be at home and feeling well after hospital checks showed no immediate issues, but concussion protocols now place real doubt over his availability for the next step of the finals. That is a major concern for a Chiefs side that has leaned heavily on his physicality, work-rate and presence around the gainline all season. Even in victory, it felt like a costly night.

The Chiefs’ reward is a semi-final against a Crusaders team that suddenly looks every bit a championship threat again. Christchurch’s side dismantled the Blues 52-31 in a high-tempo qualifying final, running in eight tries and seizing control after Malachi Wrampling-Alec was sent off in the opening half. Johnny McNicholl’s hat-trick headlined the finishing, while Sevu Reece, David Havili, Chay Fihaki, Taha Kemara and Manumaua Letiu all added tries in a ruthless display.

What made that result more ominous was not only the margin, but the authority with which the Crusaders imposed themselves. After conceding first, they accelerated through the middle stages, attacked with width and precision, and never allowed the Blues to truly believe they could turn the contest back. The defending champions have made a habit of growing sharper as the season tightens, and this was another reminder that playoff rugby in Christchurch or against Christchurch-bred belief remains a different proposition altogether.

For the Blues, defeat still brought an escape route. Because all three higher-ranked teams won their qualifying finals, Auckland progressed as the competition’s lucky loser and will now head to Wellington for a semi-final against the top-seeded Hurricanes. It is a fortunate reprieve after a bruising afternoon in which they conceded 52 points, fell 33-14 behind by half-time and were left chasing shadows for long spells.

That leaves an all-New Zealand final four, with the Hurricanes and Chiefs hosting, the Blues hanging on, and the Crusaders looming large. The Chiefs are still alive and still dangerous, but Sititi’s status could shape the complexion of next week. The Blues have been handed another life, though only just. And the Crusaders, once again, are starting to look like the side nobody wants to meet when the knockout rounds deepen.