Chiefs facing Sititi-sized hole ahead of Crusaders semi-final

The Chiefs received the news they desperately wanted on Sunday when Wallace Sititi was cleared of any serious injury following a frightening head injury in their 46-24 Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final victory over the Queensland Reds in Hamilton on Saturday.

Now comes the reality of life without him.

The All Blacks loose forward is expected to miss next week’s semi-final against the Crusaders as he works though concussion protocols, leaving a major gap in the Chiefs pack at the business end of the season.

For a side chasing a place in the Super Rugby final, Sititi’s likely absence could prove almost as significant as the result that booked their place in the final four.

The 23-year-old was taken to hospital after a heavy collision with Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto before copping a second accidental knock from team-mate Sione Ahio during Saturday’s match.

Play was stopped as medical staff attended to Sititi with the incident immediately raising concerns among players and supporters.

There was widespread relief on Sunday when Chiefs Rugby shared a photo on social media of Sititi smiling from a hospital bed at Waikato Hospital.

“Hey Chiefs fam! Thanks for all your care and love for our guy Wally [Wallace Sititi]” the post read.

“He wanted to let you all know he is at home and feeling good, as well as sending his thanks to everyone for their love and support.

“Scans at Waikato Hospital did not reveal any issues and he will be assessed and cared for through concussion protocols.”

Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes admitted the result was tempered by concern for one of the club's most influential players.

“The pride, the grit we showed and obviously the enjoyment of getting a result, it’s tinged,” Gibbes said post-match.

“It’s never nice to see one of our brothers in a situation like that, but Wally’s where he needs to be now, with people that can help him ... there’s a big part of us that are actually thinking about him right now.”

Gibbes also defended the medical staff after Sititi briefly stood up during treatment, saying they were managing a distressed player in difficult circumstances.

“They were dealing with a player in distress. It wasn't a case of being able to strictly follow A, B and C,” he said.

While Sititi's scans returned clear, the Chiefs are expected to be without the dynamic loose forward for next week's semi-final against the Crusaders as he progresses through return-to-play protocols.

In the other semi-final, the Wellington Hurricanes will host the Auckland Blues at Hnry Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 7.05pm (NZT).

Blues halfback Sam Nock is also expected to miss next week's semi-final after suffering a suspected broken hand, forcing him from the field midway through the first half.

The Hurricanes booked their place in the final four with a commanding 66-12 victory over the ACT Brumbies, while the Blues advanced despite a 52-31 defeat to the Crusaders at Te Kaha Stadium.

The winners of both semi-finals will progress to the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on June 20. For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championship click here.