The Chiefs have clinched their first-ever home Super 14 rugby semi-final, beating the ACT Brumbies 10-7 in the rain in Hamilton.
The scores were locked up at a converted try apiece until the 67th minute despite the Chiefs camping in the Brumbies' half for most of the second spell.
But with 13 minutes to go, the Chiefs first five-eighth Stephen Donald broke the deadlock with a penalty goal to lift the Chiefs above the Bulls at the top of the ladder.
Donald scored all the points for the Chiefs.
The Brumbies collected a bonus point for the narrow defeat to climb into fourth spot for a time but the New South Wales Waratahs eliminated the Brumbies from play-off contention after a 38-33 win over the Lions of South Africa in Johannesburg.
The Waratahs are now third, ahead of the Hurricanes, who play the Queensland Reds in Brisbane tonight.
In Auckland, the Blues host the Crusaders, who can still make the play-offs with a win.
The Sharks host the Bulls in Durban in the final game of the round robin overnight. If the Bulls score a bonus point win they'll top the table, securing home advantage for the semis and the final should they make it that far.
