The Highlanders have gone down 28-26 to the Chiefs this afternoon to record their second pre-season loss.
The southern franchise shot out to a 19-0 lead in Taupo courtesy of the boot of first five Lima Sopaga and a try by Nasi Manu.
However the Chiefs fought back, scoring a try just before halftime before getting on a roll in the second half to take the lead and eventually run out winners.
The loss by the Highlanders follows a 31-29 defeat to the Blues last weekend in Balclutha.