![\"Chiefs'](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4JOKV24_261505ChiefsHighlanders_007_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nDamian McKenzie in action against the Highlanders.
\nPhoto: DJ Mills\/Photosport\n<\/p>\n
The Highlanders head back to Dunedin with their Super Rugby Pacific playoff hopes shattered.<\/p>\n
Entering the final rounds on a prayer, the rugby gods stayed silent, as the Chiefs eased to a 42-12 win at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium to end all hope.<\/p>\n
However, the win came at a cost for the Chiefs, with fullback Damian McKenzie copping a stray boot to the head, as he attempted to make a tackle, and leaving the field in a bloodied state.<\/p>\n
The visitors were off to a positive start, opening the scoring try, courtesy of a powerful surge off the back of the scrum by flanker Lucas Casey.<\/p>\n
The mountain of their task became too tall, when the Chiefs ran in three unanswered to effectively end things before the break.<\/p>\n
A deft inside pass by lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi to Wallace Sititi sent the No.8 over and the floodgate swung open,<\/p>\n
A late replacement for Josh Lord, Ah Kuoi went from provider to scorer to put the hosts ahead just after the 30-minute mark, as the pressure proved too much on the Highlanders line.<\/p>\n
Appearing to butcher a golden chance, after making a scything break, McKenzie’s work would not go unrewarded, as Ah Kuoi bagging a second try with a close-range strike.<\/p>\n
Xavier Roe put things to bed 15 minutes after oranges, with the halfback spying a gap at the ruck and waltzing right through.<\/p>\n
A quick tap sparked some late hope for the Highlanders, as halfback Adam Lennox bolted up the park and fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens finishing things off in the corner.<\/p>\n
Replacement hooker Brodie McAlister rumbled his way over from a rolling maul to really drive the nail in.<\/p>\n
With the siren sounding, the Highlanders hammered away, but the turnover would eventually come, Kyle Brown capping the counter to bring curtains on clinical performance.<\/p>\n
The loss leaves the ‘Landers languishing in seventh, with both the Reds and Brumbies able to kick further clear in the top six.<\/p>\n
More than 10 years since their one and only title, the wait goes on for the southerners.<\/p>\n
Follow the live action here:<\/p>\n