Men from south show who's Chief

The Chiefs' reign as champions is virtually over but the Highlanders have shown there remains at least one Kiwi challenger for the Super Rugby title.

The Highlanders deposed the defending champions 29-25 in impressive fashion at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin last night, beating the Chiefs at their own game of running rugby and staunch defence.

Separated by three points entering the encounter, the two teams are now trending in opposite directions, with the Highlanders overtaking the Crusaders to top the New Zealand conference. The Chiefs are eighth overall after a third straight defeat that means they now have as many losses (six) as wins this season.

Neither side found fluency for much of the match. Aside from an attacking outburst shortly after halftime from the Highlanders, errors were common and the set piece was a bit of a shambles.

The home side would have been happier at the halftime, behind by only three despite having little possession.

The Chiefs had plenty of ball and spent much more time in the opposition 22 but struggled to make the most of it.

The Highlanders who, with their first real period of possession, opened the scoring through Patrick Osborne. Malakai Fekitoa made the original bust before All Black teammate Ben Smith spread the ball for the wing to cross.

Fekitoa was making life tough for Robbie Fruean in his first start back since being sidelined with heart troubles. Chiefs halfback Augstine Pulu was another to initially struggle.

Thankfully for the Chiefs, Aaron Cruden continued where he left off while away on All Blacks duty, helping his side to a slim halftime lead with a clever kick to the corner that set up Dwayne Sweeney's try.

Tim Nanai-Williams next found the line and Josh Hohneck then gave the Chiefs late hope but the Highlanders hung on.

Highlanders 29 (Patrick Osborne, Ben Smith tries Lima Sopoaga 2 cons Sopoaga 4, Hayden Parker pens) Chiefs 25 (Josh Hohneck, Tim Nanai-Williams, Dwayne Sweeney tries Aaron Cruden 2 cons Gareth Anscombe, Cruden pens). APNZ