Fa'atau seals win for the Chiefs

9.45am UPDATE

The Chiefs continued their giant-killing act in the Super 12 rugby competition tonight with a 36-31 win over the Highlanders at Carisbrook.

A fine solo try by former Hurricanes winger Lome Fa'atau nine minutes from the end, converted by David Hill, sealed the victory for the Chiefs, who overcame such teams as the Blues, NSW Waratahs and the Hurricanes earlier in the competition.

They scored five tries to four tonight, with both teams earning a bonus point each for scoring four tries at least.

The Highlanders emerged with two points from the game, but they were more disappointed than last week's loss to the Crusaders as the Chiefs beat them at their own ground.

The Chiefs were awarded a penalty try in the fifth minute when Highlanders winger Iliesa Tanivula pulled down Fa'atau, who was in hot pursuit of the ball bouncing towards the line.

Midfield back Derek Maisey, winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and openside flanker Marty Holah scored the other tries for the Chiefs. Hill kicked four conversions and a penalty goal.

Midfield back Seilala Mapusua scored two tries for the Highlanders in a heroic effort on both attack and defence, with openside flanker Blackie and winger Hayden Pedersen scoring one each. Tony Brown kicked four conversions and a penalty goal.

Chiefs 36

(Penalty try, Derek Maisey, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Marty Holah, Lome Fa'atau tries; David Hill pen, 4 con),

Highlanders 31

(Seilala Mapusua 2, Josh Blackie, Hayden Pedersen tries; Tony Brown pen, 4 con).

Halftime: 21-21.

- NZPA

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