KEY POINTS:
The Chiefs ended the Sharks unbeaten run over New Zealand teams in the Super 14 rugby competition with a 35-27 victory in Hamilton tonight.
However, they had to withstand a bold comeback by the Sharks in the second half to hold on to their bonus-point victory.
Two of the Sharks tries, including a penalty try, came in the last eight minutes when the Chiefs were down to 14 players, with openside flanker Marty Holah in the sinbin for persistent offside.
The Chiefs scored three tries in the first half, added their fourth and bonus-earning one soon after turning around before the Sharks scored their four tries.
The Sharks, who beat the other four New Zealand teams, including last week's 32-25 win over the Blues, also earned a bonus point and have maintained their third place in the competition.
The Chiefs have also remained in fourth place, but have closed in on the Sharks (35 points), with 32 points. The Crusaders lead the competition with 41 points and the Blues are second (37 before their match against the Stormers).
Chiefs 35 (Tasese Lavea 2, Lelia Masaga, Brendon Leonard tries; Stephen Doald 3 pen, 3 con), Sharks 27 (Bobby Skinstad, Deon Carstens, penalty try, Bismarck du Plessis tries; Francois Steyn pen, con; Percy Montgomery con). Halftime: 25-3.
- NZPA
