Reigning Super Rugby champions Waikato Chiefs kept their faltering title defence on track with a 24-16 win over the Wellington Hurricanes on Friday.
The Chiefs, looking for three titles in a row, scored two tries to one to snap a three-game losing streak in a match that was essentially a knock-out round for both teams as they look to secure a top six finals berth.
The result broke a three-game losing streak for the champions, who have looked a shadow of the team that won the 2012 and 2013 titles.
They will face a tough test against the Auckland Blues to guarantee their post-season spot next week but must display a consistency that has eluded them so far this season.
With so much at stake, it was a tight start with stinging defence from both sides and no score until the 20th minute, when Aaron Cruden took a penalty.
Beauden Barrett booted a reply for the Hurricanes almost immediately as the low-scoring arm wrestle continued.
The home team regained the advantage when Chiefs prop Jamie Mackintosh barged his way over for a try as part of a driving maul.
The teams exchanged penalties to make it 16-6 for the Chiefs at half time.
The Hurricanes made the running after the restart but despite sustained pressure could only manage a penalty through Barrett.
The Chiefs thought they had scored though Liam Squire but the referee ruled he had lost the ball before it was grounded.
They received a season-boosting try though when Brodie Retallick crossed for a converted try.
The Hurricanes hit back through Hadleigh Parkes, but it was not enough – their season is effectively over.
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