The Chiefs have held off a storming comeback from the Hurricanes to win their Super Rugby Pacific thriller 30-29.
Playmaker Josh Ioane excelled for the visiting Chiefs, who scored 17 unanswered points after going to halftime trailing by 15-13 in Wellington on Sunday.
Beaten by newcomers Moana Pasifika last week, the Hurricanes were desperate and mounted a mighty comeback, starting when winger Julian Savea crossed in the corner in the 67th minute.
All Blacks ace Ardie Savea caught the Chiefs napping when he took a quick tap penalty and drove through to score, with Jordie Barrett converting to close the gap to one point.
However, the Hurricanes were unable to summon up any more points in the final five minutes as the Chiefs hung on to go 4-2 for the season while the Canes are now 2-3.
Earlier, the Hurricanes got off to a flying start when veteran halfback TJ Perenara nabbed an intercept and raced 50 metres to score in the second minute.
All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown answered with a try just two minutes later but the Hurricanes were back on top when winger Wes Goosen crossed after nine minutes.
Looking to bounce back after their defeat to the Crusaders, the Chiefs kept in touch through the boot of Ioane as Asafo Aumua was denied a try due to an Ardie Savea knock on.
The one-time All Black put the visitors in front after the break, with the impressive Pita Gus Sowakula combining with Quinn Tupaea to put Boshier in for the try.
The Chiefs made their winning run after halftime as some slick play put Kaylum Boshier over in the corner before mercurial fullback Chase Tiatia produced some individual brilliance to score.
Tiatia’s show and go extend the lead before the Savea’s two late tries gave the Sky Stadium crowd some hope.
In the end, it was too little, too late as Bryn Gatland's 50/22 and a Hurricanes mistake secured the victory for the visitors.
It cements their spot in top eight before a match-up with the Blues, with Jason Holland's side facing the Crusaders to kick off their quick burst of games as a result of COVID postponements.
