SYDNEY :Josh Beehre scored a converted try after the hooter as the Auckland Blues kept alive their Super Rugby Pacific title defence with a 20-19 victory over the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday to scrape into the playoff semi-finals.

The Chiefs will join the Blues and the Canterbury Crusaders in the last four under the "lucky losers" rule, with the last contender to be decided when the ACT Brumbies and Wellington Hurricanes meet in Canberra later on Saturday.

A try from centre Daniel Rona and 14 points from the boot of Damian McKenzie looked to have earned the Chiefs the win but the Blues pounded away at the line in a frantic finish before lock Beehre reached over to score and Beauden Barrett converted.

"There's been a whole lot of ups and downs through our season, and... althou

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