Wallace Sititi and Samisoni Taukei'aho each scored two tries as the Chiefs defeated the Queensland Reds 31-21 in Brisbane, extending their winning streak to six matches in Super Rugby Pacific.
The visitors were pushed hard by the Reds, who narrowed the gap to just three points late in the match. However, Sititi sealed the result with his second try after breaking away from the back of a scrum.
The win moved the Chiefs level on points with the Hurricanes at the top of the table, although the Hurricanes still have a game in hand against Moana Pasifika tonight.
Sititi had earlier crossed for the Chiefs’ opening try after Reds winger Lachie Anderson scored first.
Damian McKenzie added points with the boot to give the Chiefs a 10-7 halftime lead before the game opened up in the second half.
Taukei'aho scored both of his tries from rolling mauls following lineouts, while the Reds stayed competitive through impressive tries from Louis Werchon and Treyvon Pritchard.
The result sees the Reds slip from fourth to fifth on the ladder, while the Chiefs are now in a strong position to secure a home playoff match if they defeat the Highlanders in Hamilton next week.
In another result, the Crusaders beat the Blues 36-20.
Today, the Highlanders will face the Waratahs at 4.35pm, Moana Pasifika will meet the Hurricanes at 7.05pm and the Western Force will host the Brumbies at 9.35pm.
