Chiefs hold off late Hurricanes surge to edge Super Rugby Pacific thriller

The Chiefs pipped the Hurricanes to a 30-29 victory in Super Rugby Pacific action at Sky Stadium on Sunday.

The Hurricanes made a dream start. The Chiefs had worked over halfway with good intent, but Josh Ioane then fired a pass into midfield which TJ Perenara picked off before running 50 metres untouched to score.

The Chiefs hit back in excellent fashion. After the Hurricanes had exited following the restart, Ioane had a huge hand in atoning for his intercept pass. The Chiefs flyhalf popped up on the left, jinking and busting through from 20m out. Sam Cane was there in support off his left shoulder, with Lienert-Brown then looming up to finish things off.

It was a frantic opening to the match as Wes Goosen restored the 'Canes lead in the 12th minute. Ardie Savea picked off the back and fed Jackson Garden-Bachop on the short left hand side and quick hands released Goosen for the try.

Ioane and Jordie Barrett traded penalties before Ioane got another after the hooter to ensure the Chiefs went into half-time trailing by just two points at 15-13.

The 'Canes were penalised for holding on straight from the restart and Ioane popped it over for the Chiefs to lead 16-15.

The Waikato side increased the advantage in the 47th minute. After ten phases, Will Tupaea broke the line looping around the back on the left and catching Julian Savea pushing out his line. Taupeua hit the hole, found Pita Gus Sowakula with the offload and quick hands then put Kaylum Boshier away down the touchline for the finish.

The lead was further extended to 28-15 on the hour mark. After a long, long passage of play, the Chiefs earned themselves a penalty advantage for the Hurricanes leaving their feet. They came to the left hand short side, with Tiatia able to