The Chiefs secured the Super Rugby Pacific minor premiership and home-field advantage for the finals with a 24-41 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.
Lock Tupou Vaa’i was the standout, scoring a hat-trick as the Chiefs surged to an early 19-0 lead.
Despite a spirited Highlanders fightback led by co-captains Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai, the Chiefs maintained control, with tries from Xavier Roe and Manasa Mataele sealing the win.
The match was marred by a potential injury to Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea, who left the field on a stretcher.
