The Chiefs stole an early march before being forced to come from behind to beat the Blues 24-21 in a Super 14 trial rugby match in Rotorua last night.
Two breaks by wing Roy Kinikinilau laid on tries for Sosene Anesi and Sione Lauaki as the Chiefs forgedahead 14-0 in quick time.
The Blues responded midway through the first half with a converted try to loose forward Angus MacDonald and later began the second half in a similar vein.
The Blues were quick off the mark with a try to Justin Collins immediately after the break, which was converted by Isa Nacewa to level the scores.
Chiefs forward Steven Bates was later sinbinned before Stephen Donald was successful with a handy penalty as the Chiefs edged three points clear.
Right wing Doug Howlett earned the Blues the lead for the first time with a well worked try in the corner.
The Chiefs were buoyed by the unexpected appearance of Jono Gibbes with 20 minutes remaining after the utility forward was not named in the initial squad for the game due to an unknown virus.
They responded by exerting pressure on the Blues and were eventually rewarded when replacement halfback Brendon Leonard crossed for the matchwinning try deep into injury time.
Chiefs 24 (Sosene Anesi, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard tries; Stephen Donald pen, 2 con, Dwayne Sweeney con) Blues 21 (Angus McDonald, Justin Collins, Doug Howlett tries; Isa Nacewa 3 con). Halftime: 14-7.
