The Chiefs play-off hopes are in tatters after a frustrating 33-17 defeat by the Waratahs at their home ground of Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth this evening.
The win was well deserved for the Sydneysiders and leaves the Chiefs needing to win their remaining games and hoping other results go their way.
The Waratahs dominated the first 40 minutes of an intense, physical encounter and deservedly led by 13-3 at the break.
They scored the only try of the half after a typically well-worked move, with a smart break from Adam Ashley-Cooper finished off in style by Israel Folau.
The set pieces were tight and unforgiving, with a highlight the battle between the young international openside flankers in Michael Hooper for the Waratahs and All Black Sam Cane for the Chiefs.