Defending champions Blues have stunned minor premiers Chiefs with a last-minute 20-19 win to throw the competition on its head.
Josh Beehre was the man to keep the Blues hopes of back-to-back titles alive as the lock stretched over the line for a crucial five pointer in the 82nd minute.
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It was their lone try of the match but as pivotal as it comes as the Blues advance to the semi-finals.
The win means the ACT Brumbies-Hurricanes match later on Saturday becomes an elimination final.
Both teams relied on penalty goals to tick over the scoreboard as Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett traded points.
McKenzie opened the scoring after two minutes before Barrett added his own two minutes later.
As the Chiefs dealt with HIA to their front-rowers, both sides were stuck in a defensive war.
The hosts controlled territory in the first half and found themselves up a man after Ricky Riccitelli’s yellow card for foul play.
Yet the boot of McKenzie was their only source of points as they took a 9-3 lead into the break.
Barrett nearly scored a wonder try before the break and eventually reduced the margin before centre Daniel Rona delivered the first try of the night after 58 minutes.
The centre stepped and powered his way over for a crucial try to give the Chiefs a big lead.
Caleb Clarke nearly scored right away but dropped the ball over the line.
Kurt Eklund had no troubles, however, with the hooker finding a little gap to get the ball to the line.
With the margin under a converted, McKenzie had a chance to ice the game but missed a penalty from close to halfway.
It gave the Blues hope as they looked like they had stolen victory when Hoskins Sotutu dived over.
The TMO brought the try back for a double movement but couldn’t deny Beehre minutes later for a stunning win.
