Bay of Plenty have been all but relegated from the provincial rugby Premiership while Counties Manukau are almost into the semi-finals after the visitors posted a dramatic last-minute 31-30 win in Rotorua.
Bay of Plenty scored what looked like the match-winning try to lead 30-28 with less than four minutes to go - but an infringment in their half then allowed Counties first-five Baden Kerr to kick the decisive penalty.
The Steamers remain in last place, three points behind Waikato with two games remaining.
The win all but secures Counties the last semi-final spot. In a complicated and unlikely scenario, Waikato can still overtake Counties if the Steelers don't win again and Waikato win all three of their remaining games - Waikato can also still sneak into the final four if they win two matches with maximum points and also secure two bonus points in the loss, including a four-try bonus point and one for finishing within seven points.
Otherwise the Steelers will join unbeaten Wellington, Auckland and champions Canterbury in the semis.
Hawke's Bay also thrashed North Harbour 55-10 in Napier to move up to second place in the Championship, with two games to go.
