Reigning champions Fijiana Drua are the first side through to the Super W final, after a gripping 20-17 triumph over the previously undefeated New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
In a rematch of last year's title decider, the Drua staged a gallant comeback from 17-0 down early on to secure victory in the first semifinal at Concord Oval.
Chasing a second title in as many seasons in the competition, the Drua will face the Queensland Reds in next Saturday's final in Townsville.
The Reds defeated the ACT Brumbies 23-20 in a thrilling second semifinal, also at Concord Oval.
Centre Vani Arei's second try 10 minutes from full-time put the Drua in front for the first time and — despite attacking the opposition line in the closing minutes — the Waratahs were unable to conjure a winning play.
It was a disappointing end to the season for the Waratahs, who had entered the semifinals as unbeaten minor premiers and eyeing a fifth crown in six years.
They looked on track to gain sweet revenge for last year's grand final defeat after racing to a 17-0 lead in as many minutes with a try in the opening seconds to Desiree Miller.
Miller's effort was followed up quickly by five-pointers to fellow winger Maya Stewart and hooker Adiana Talakai.
However, Miller only converted one of the tries as the Drua hit back with two tries in four minutes mid-half to powerhouse prop Siteri Rasolea and Arei to trail 17-12 at the break.
A 42nd-minute penalty goal to fullback Luisa Tisolo dragged the Fijians to within two points of the Waratahs, who produced a spirited defensive display to keep the Drua at bay, despite being under pressure for most of the second half.
However, Arei finally broke through in the 70th minute as the Drua snapped a three-match losing streak to break Waratahs hearts and progress to the final.
The Waratahs had trounced the Drua, 31-5, in round three at the same venue and entered the finals as championship favourites.
In the second semifinal, the Reds rebounded from a slow start after the Brumbies led 12-0 early in the match.
The score was later deadlocked at 20-20 in the dying stages of the second half, before Carys Dallinger landed a penalty goal from 30 metres out to give the Reds the lead.
Heleina Young finished with two tries for the Reds, with Renae Nona also crossing the stripe for the victors.
Dallinger kicked two penalty goals in total, while Cecilia Smith added a conversion.
The Brumbies' points came from tries to Tania Naden (two) and Grace Kemp, with Faitala Moleka kicking a conversion and a penalty goal.
AAP/ABC
