28 Jun 2014

Highlanders put major dent in Chiefs' hopes

7:06 am on 28 June 2014

The Highlanders have beaten the Chiefs 29-25 in a pivotal clash in Dunedin, as Super Rugby resumed after the international break.

The boot of the Highlanders first five Lima Sopaga was the difference with a perfect six kicks from six and 16 points, putting a major dent in the Chiefs' hopes of a third straight title and boosting the hosts' chances of a first playoff place in 12 years.

The Chiefs led 13-10 at half-time, with both sides scoring a try apiece to Patrick Osborne and Dwayne Sweeney, then the champions scored two tries through Tim Nanai-Williams and Josh Hohneck to Ben Smith's one in the second half.

Elsewhere, the Melbourne Rebels ended their season at home in disappointing fashion, losing 36-20 as the Queensland Reds ran in six tries to three.