The Chiefs have hung on for a remarkable 32-31 win over the Blues in a thrilling in Hamilton.
The Blues had a chance to win the game when a perfect cross field kick from Stephen Perofeta found Rieko Ioane right on the chest with five minutes to go.
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Debutant Xavi Taele was handed the kick from the sideline and looked on its way to sneak in before slamming into the right upright.
In the chaotic final minutes, the visitors won a penalty with a minute left through Anton Segner, but they didn’t find touch.
A strange call to kick it back to the Blues gave them a final chance, with a cross field kick cleaned up by the Chiefs to ensure top spot on the ladder.
The Chiefs got off to the perfect start as late replacement Daniel Rona crossed for the opener.
The hosts had an eight-point lead before winger AJ Lam, who was in for Caleb Clarke, answered straight back.
Damian McKenzie took advantage of some confusion from a dropped ball to spin and score for a 15-7 lead.
However, the Blues were desperate to vault off the bottom of the ladder and score either side of half-time through Mark Tele’a and Corey Evans.
It gave them a four point lead before the Chiefs’ bench proved the difference.
A yellow card to Taele opened the space for Tupou Via’i to crash over as Cortez Ratima extended their lead to ten points.
The Blues kept themselves in the game through Marcel Renayta’s try from close with 15 minutes to go before the chaotic ending.
McKenzie’s 71st-minute penalty goal proved critical after Ioane’s late try, with the Chiefs ensuring they would stay top at the end of the ladder.
Meanwhile, the Blues leap over Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua thanks to the losing bonus point, but face a tough challenge against the Crusaders next week.
