Highlanders spoil Chiefs' party with 25-15 win

Highlanders 25-15 Chiefs, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Scorecard

The Highlanders dashed Chiefs' hopes to host a Super Rugby 2015 quarter-final by securing a thrilling 25-15 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the Hurricanes took the lead in the New Zealand conference with a 35-10 victory over the Crusaders.

Fly-half Lima Sopoaga played a significant part in Highlanders' victory by kicking 10 points from the tee which included two penalties and a couple of important conversions.

The 25-year-old then scored the decisive 72nd minute try to spoil Chiefs' party.

Winger Waisake Naholo (30) and replacement Dan Pryor (57) scored a try each for the Highlanders.

Winger Toni Pulu (6) and replacement Lachlan Boshier (67) crossed over the try line for the Chiefs. Fullback Damian McKenzie managed to convert a try in addition to scoring a penalty for the visitors.

The Highlanders took absolute advantage of the 53rd minute yellow card to Tom Sanders by scoring a penalty and a converted try within a span of six minutes to take eight point lead over the Chiefs.

Naholo too got sin-binned in the 77th minute, however, the Chiefs failed to take any advantage out of the late opportunity.

The Hurricanes will now host the Sharks whereas the Chiefs will travel to Cape Town to face the Stormers in the quarter-final stage.

The outcome of round 17 game between the Brumbies and the Force will decide Highlanders' quarter-final rivals later today.