Highlanders first five Ajay Faleafaga came up with two clutch plays to help his side defeat the Chiefs 28-18 at the Super Rugby under-20 tournament in Taupo yesterday.
The win means the Highlanders will play the Hurricanes in one semifinal on Wednesday, while the New Zealand Barbarians under-21 will play the Blues in the other semi.
Faleafaga made a crucial try-saving tackle in the corner late in the game as the Chiefs tried to claw their way back.
He also drilled a 48m penalty with 15 minutes remaining to put his side ahead by 10.
A second-half try to winger Jeremiah Asi was critical as well.
The Highlanders started well through lock Konrad Toleafoa. He smashed through a couple of tackles and halfback Brad Campbell strolled through a gap at the ruck to touch down.
The Chiefs responded through hooker Taine Kolosi, who flopped over from a lineout drive.
Shortly afterwards, impressive midfield back Aki Tuivailala ran the ball out from behind his own line.
The Highlanders stopped the breakout, but the Chiefs took advantage of the field position and first five Josh Penney scored in the corner.
But just before the break replacement forward Reuben Palmer tumbled over from close range to give the Highlanders a 15-10 lead.
The Chiefs levelled the score moments into the second half. Fullback Cody Nordstrom made a good break from a set-piece play and got the ball to Esau Filimoehala to finish on the outside.
In the other results, the Blues beat the Fijian Drua 51-7, the Hurricanes dismissed Moana Pasifika 64-19 and the New Zealand Barbarians under-21 team beat the Crusaders 35-27.
Super Rugby U20
The score
Highlanders 28
Brad Campbell, Reuben Palmer, Jeremiah Asi tries; Ajay Faleafaga con 2, pen 3
Chiefs 18
Taine Kolosi, Josh Penney, Esau Filimoehala tries; Penney pen
Halftime: 15-10.
