Chiefs upset tackle-shy Waratahs

Sosene Anesi takes the high ball. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Chiefs 37 Waratahs 33 

The Chiefs produced an extraordinary win against the odds over the Waratahs tonight to add extra spice to the upcoming Super 14 rugby playoffs.

Their unexpected 37-33 success at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton left a bad taste in the mouths of the Waratahs players, who entered the match primed to complete the regular season in pole position for the semifinals.

That meant a home semifinal and final, if they progressed that far, a scenario which is now by no means certain as they slipped to three points behind the competition leading Crusaders with one round remaining.

The match produced nine tries, five of them to the losers, and as a spectacle it was arguably the high point of a Super 14 season which has not risen to great heights.

However, the Waratahs were left to rue a lamentable defensive performance, which would have particularly pricked their pride because they boast the best defensive record in the competition.

They leaked four tries against a potentially dangerous Chiefs side, who were electric with ball in hand and thankful holes kept appearing for them all over the park.

Fullback Mils Muliaina scored two of the Chiefs' tries, while first five-eighth David Hill left an imprint courtesy of his three penalties and four conversions.

The Chiefs led 20-16 at halftime and later 37-26 entering the closing minute before loose forward Rocky Elsom scored a crucial try in the final move of the game when he chased down a grubber kick from Phil Waugh.

The try and subsequent conversion from Peter Hewat earned them a second bonus point, for finishing within seven points of the winners, to leave them on 44 on the standings, one ahead of the third-placed Hurricanes.

The Chiefs' other tries went to midfield back Sam Tuitupou and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.

For the Waratahs, tries went to Elsom and before him Mat Rogers, Adam Freier, Lote Tuqiri and replacement Tatafu Polota-Nau, while Hewat chipped in with two penalties and one conversion.

Chiefs 37 (Mils Muliaina 2, Sam Tuitupou, Sitiveni Sivivatu tries; David Hill 3 pen, 4 con)
Waratahs 33 (Mat Rogers, Adam Freier, Lote Tuqiri, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Rocky Elsom tries; Peter Hewat 2 pen, con).
 HT: 20-16

-NZPA