The Highlanders won 23-19 thanks to some gutsy defence in the second half and scoring two quick tries midway through the second half.
The Highlanders came back from a 10 point deficit early in the second half thanks to five pointers from replacement halfback Aaron Smith and second five-eighth Phil Burleigh, who scored a simple try from a charged down Aaron Cruden kick. Chris Noakes did not miss a kick at goal and his sideline conversion near the end gave him team some breathing space.
The Highlanders had most of the ball in a stop-start first half but could not get over the tryline.
Both sides were guilty of making too many mistakes in the opening 40 minutes and there was a lack of continuity on offer.
The Chiefs scored the only try of the first half and it was a gift thanks to Highlanders halfback Jimmy Cowan.
The All Black No 9 put an inside ball to no-one and it was picked up by the Chiefs who rolled on down field, with the ball eventually going to winger Lelia Masaga who crashed over.
Best for the Chiefs was lock Craig Clarke, halfback Brendon Leonard while Aaron Cruden did most things well.
The Highlanders stand-outs were loose forwards Adam Thomson and Nasi Mau while Noakes made a fine debut at this level.
Highlanders 23 (Aaron Smith, Phil Burleigh tries, Chris Noakes 3 pen, 2 con) Chiefs 19 (Lelia Masaga try, Aaron Cruden 4 pen, con)
Halftime: 16-9.
Crowd: 12,058.
