In tonight's case there were a couple of hurdles to clear en route to a vital 34-20 victory over the Bulls in Rotorua, but the Chiefs bounded past those obstacles to find five points.
Some impediments were something of their own doing, spotted the Bulls a two-try headstart through errors close to their line, while they were well aware of others, like a growing injury list, in the days before the game.
But the absence of a quartet of locks and the loss of key attacking weapon James Lowe did little to dampen the Chiefs' efforts as they charge towards the playoffs, with next weekend's showdown against the Highlanders looming as pivotal.
Whether any of the injured locks return before then remains to be seen but, based on tonight's efforts, it was also questionable how much the Chiefs need the reinforcements.
Because a locking combination featuring loose forward Johan Bardoul and commentator Ross Filipo - ostensibly retired before the campaign - never looked out of place against a fearsome Bulls pack. Filipo, in fact, was full of a level of energy that belied a season spent playing only club rugby, answering Dave Rennie's SOS call in emphatic fashion.
The attack was far from perfect without Lowe but that has been the case throughout the campaign, regardless of whether the Tasman flyer was present in the side. Hosea Gear and Bryce Heem regressed after last week's impressive outing against the Hurricanes but the Chiefs were able to threaten in other areas.
They enjoyed particularly success around the edges, with Augustine Pulu making the most of a rare start with an impressive two-try performance, while Damian McKenzie showcased his full range of skills.
But it was in the forwards where this one was won, meeting the challenge provided by the Bulls' fearsome pack and helping the Chiefs remain in the game after a wayward attack contributed to an even opening half.
The home side had all the ball in the beginning stages but, with the Chiefs wings making a meal of a couple of kicks to the corner to gift two tries, the Bulls soon found their way into the encounter.
Not that they were completely undeserving of reward, though. The South African side were playing at the right end of the field and, after the tries, began to enjoy much more time in possession by winning turnovers and forcing penalties.
Both were signs of a Chiefs side playing poorly with ball in hand, looking directionless at times as they struggled for territory. Rennie's men hardly need territory to be dangerous, however, and their pair of first-half tries to Liam Messam and Bryce Heem were both courtesy of counter attacks.
Drawing level appeared to help the Chiefs regain their composure and play with increasing fluidity, with that growing confidence apparent during their patient play after the break. The Chiefs were content to monopolise possession and break the Bulls down, with Pulu was soon the benefactor of a tiring Bulls defence to create some comfort for the first time all night.
That comfort might not have lasted long but a staunch defensive effort prevented the Bulls from the pulling themselves back into the game.
Chiefs 34 (Messam, Heem, Pulu 2, Nanai-Williams tries; McKenzie pen, 3 cons), Bulls 20 (Serfontein, Basson, Labuschagne tries; Pollard con, pen). HT: 15-15.
- Kris Shannon
