The Chiefs hung on to defend their home ground edging last year's Super Ruby Pacific champion the Auckland Blues 32-31 in a tit-for-tat game that kept spectators on the edge of their seats in Hamilton last night.
Both teams put on a thriller as Daniel Rover scored the opening try from an offload by Shaun Stevenson.
All Blacks and Chiefs fly half Damian Mckenzie scored the second try as he scooped up a wayward ball, before slipping through the line.
Mark Telea scored the first try for the Blues.
The Blues had most of the possession, but even with their dominance in attack, they failed to secure the victory.
The Chiefs led 15-12 at halftime.
The Chiefs worked hard for their victory, making 226 tackles with a 90 percent tackle success rate, compared to the Chiefs, who only made 125 with an 86 percent tackle success rate.
In the second half, the hosts scored another 17 points and the Blues scored another 19.
In other results, the Reds defeated the Waratahs 35-15 and the Crusaders thumped the Force 55-33.
The Chiefs will play Moana Pasifika next Friday while Blues will face Crusaders next Saturday.
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