An Emoni Narawa special extended the lead to 16-10 at the break. Photo: Bruce Lim / www.photosport.nz
The Chiefs are into the Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals after a hard fought 29-20 win over the Reds in Hamilton tonight.
It was a tough graft for the table topping Chiefs as Brad Thorne's Reds brought the fight from the kick off, taking an early 5-0 lead through Suliasi Vunivalu.
A trio of penalties brought the hosts in front and an Emoni Narawa special extended the lead to 16-10 at the break.
Vunivalu scored his second try in the 60th minute to give the Reds a 20-19 lead and a sniff at a monumental upset.
However, a Pita Gus-Sowakula try in the 75th sealed it for the Chiefs.
Brodie Retallick was bruising on defence with Samipeni Finau making some destructive carries.
Narawa was electric on the wing and Damian MacKenzie's boot ultimately ensured the Chiefs season continues.
The minor premiers will now host the winner of the Hurricanes vs Brumbies in Canberra later tonight.
The Blues have already booked their berth in the semis courtesy of a win over the Waratahs last night while the Crusaders will host the Fijian Drua in Christchurch.
