The Highlanders' playoff hopes have taken a serious blow following a 27-21 loss to the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
It was very much a must-win game for the Highlanders, and despite having enough ball and field position, they simply weren't able to tip over what was a very clinical Chiefs side.
And that was how the game went. The Highlanders seemed to be controlling everything, forcing the Chiefs to defend for long periods inside their own half.
But this defence held strong and it didn't take much for them to wreck havoc, causing all sorts of problems with limited ball.
Every time they had the ball the Chiefs looked dangerous, particularly from broken play where the likes of Robbie Robinson, Sonny Bill Williams and Liam Messam threatened the entire game. Conversely the Highlanders fell off far too many tackles, a cardinal sin against a side with so much flair.
It didn't take them long to establish this trend. After holding the ball for and looking to build a platform in the early stages the Highlanders turned it over, and the Chiefs cashed in right away.
The Highlanders began to claw their way back into the game, applying pressure and seeing the Chiefs gave away multiple penalties inside their own half.
At 10-9 it looked as though it would be close going into half time, but a quick fire eight points right before the break extended the lead to 18-9 and the Highlanders seemed as though they were chasing the game from then on.
Two second half tries kept the Highlanders in the hunt, but they weren't able to apply the same pressure and consequently weren't able to catch their opponents.
Despite this they did very nearly snatch a chance at victory in the dying stages with a late flurry where they put together phase after phase and seemed to have the Chiefs constantly on the back foot.
It was a physical game, with both sides looking to attack the breakdowns in a positive fashion. Early on the Chiefs seemed to be getting the better of this area, before the Highlanders began to exert their dominance as they have tended to for the most part of the season.
They were messing up the Chiefs ball and ensured that they never really threatened when operating with this ball, it was in broken play that they were so dangerous.
But it wasn't just the Highlanders messing up the Chiefs ball. The Chiefs proved adept at ensuring the Highlanders didn't have it all their way, with Tanerau Latimer in particular proving a thorn in the side of the southern men all night.
The set piece once again struggled, with far too much lineout ball lost and the scrums very much a lottery depending on how they were interpreted.
Andrew Hore struggled to get the ball over the top of the tall Chiefs jumpers at lineout time, although this must also be put down to the ability of the Chiefs to read, time and execute such a good challenge.
Kickoff receptions continue to be a problem, with far too many going to ground. Twice penalties were conceded because of this, both of which were turned into points by Aaron Cruden.
These were six very unnecessary points to give up, six points that were in the end the difference. This has been a problem area all season for the Highlanders and while it may be too late to fix this season, is something that needs to be looked at for next year.
It wasn't all bad though. The way the rucks were attacked was pleasing. Even if a few penalties were conceded, it's proved such a strength of this team that they need to keep doing it. Through this they disrupted the Chiefs ball and saw that one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the competition was held to just two tries.
Jason Rutledge and Andrew Hore were both particularly outstanding in this area, both giving very strong performances around the field.
Jamie Mackintosh too was prominent and possibly had his best game of the year, while Nick Crosswell was also good in the tight-loose.
The looseforward trio was once again good, with Adam Thomson ranging well and Nasi Manu continuing to go from strength to strength.
The backline didn't cause the Chiefs too many problems, with most players looking steady rather than threatening.
Hosea Gear though was lively every time he touched the ball, going looking for work and showing what a damaging runner he can be. Mike Delaney too looked dangerous when he came on and added a spark that seemed to be missing in the first half.
The Highlanders now travel to Brisbane where they will take on the Reds in their final game of the season.