Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson in action during their Super Rugby Pacific match against the Rebels in Melbourne. Photo: photosport
An out-of-sorts Chiefs needed a late Damian McKenzie penalty to beat the Rebels 26-23 in Melbourne and entrench their top-four status.
A fourth straight win for the New Zealand side wasn't easily achieved as the Rebels fought back from a 12-point deficit midway through the second half to level the scores with six minutes to play.
The Chiefs kept their cool, snaffling possession and driving back onto the attack, where a penalty adjacent to the posts was converted by McKenzie, who finished with 16 points and was typically influential in their attacking game.
When they flowed, the visitors made significant inroads but silly errors allowed the Rebels - who provided a robust forward challenge and were effective on counter-attack - to stay in the contest at AAMI Park.
Chiefs' first-five Damian McKenzie in action against the Rebels. Photo: photosport
Winger Glen Vaihu crossed early for Melbourne before the Chiefs ground out a 13-11 halftime lead.
Lock Tupou Vaa'i was a notable first-half figure, scoring a try in the 23rd minute before being shown a yellow card for a high cleanout.
The Chiefs appeared to grab control with hooker Samisoni Taukeiaho scored a converted try and McKenzie landed his third penalty to put them 23-11 ahead.
It sparked the Rebels's best period, with winger Lachie Anderson crossing twice to set up the tense finish.
The Chiefs climbed from fourth to third - although they could drop back one place if the Brumbies beat the Crusaders on Saturday night - and remain firmly on course to host a quarter-finals.
The Rebels remain sixth but aren't yet guaranteed their first-ever place in the Super Rugby post-season.
