Returning star Wallace Sititi has proven to be the hero for the Chiefs, crossing four minutes into Super Point for a 22-17 win over the Hurricanes.
The All Black crossed for the winner in wild scenes after the hosts had sent the game into extra-time after a late Daniel Sinkinson try.
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It came as Damian McKenzie set up for a drop goal attempt, charged down by Warner Dearns.
This put everyone back onside as the ball landed in the hands of the number eight, powering his way over the line for a famous win.
The victory puts the Chiefs top of the ladder and ends the Hurricanes’ five-game winning streak.
This had built this streak on attacking raids and blowout wins, but this was a defensive war between two teams at the top of their game.
The visitors took their chance early, with winger Josh Moorby finishing off in the corner for an eighth minute try after sustained pressure.
The Chiefs looked to strike back but were thwarted by a stubborn Hurricanes defence early on. Josh Lord created their best chance of the half when he ran a perfect line to surge through a gap, with the Hurricanes instantly coming up with the turnover.
They had close to 60% territory in the first half, but only had a Damian McKenzie penalty goal to show for it as the visitors struck right before half-time.
Strong turnover work from Du’Plessis Kirifi provided the chance for the Hurricanes to attack late, with Peter Lakai crashing over under the posts for a 12-3 half-time lead.
The Chiefs kept calm and worked their way through to start the half, with Simon Parker’s first of the year coming at a timely moment.
But the Hurricanes were straight back on the attack as Asafo Aumua delivered a trademark bustling run to power over the line for a seven point lead.
The Hurricanes sought to close out the game before a trademark Chiefs counterattack set up a grandstand finish. The host moves quickly from an errand pass as Leory Carter sprinted over halfway and found replacement Sinkinson to level the scores.
McKenzie had a chance to win it in regulation time with two minutes to go, with his long range effort well short and to the left.
But the playmaker turned provider in Super Point, sprinting into the Hurricanes' half off a Kyren Taumoefolau offload to park them inside the 22.
While his drop goal attempt was unsuccessful, it set up the chance for Sititi to be the hero in his first game since Round Three.
