The Chiefs have avoided a major upset to take a 29-20 win over the Queensland Reds in Hamilton.
The Reds scrapped into the finals after going down to the Fijian Drua in Suva, however, looked a completely different side as they opened the scoring.
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The boot of Damian McKenzie did the damage for the minor premiers, contributing 19 points as they kept ticking over the scoreboard.
Suliasi Vunivalu was a shining light for the Reds and when he crossed for his second, the visitors found themselves in front with 20 to go.
However, another three from McKenzie and a late try to Pita Gus Sowakula sealed the win.
The Reds once again found success against the Chiefs through the aerial battle, kicking three 50-22s across the night.
This along with a dominant scrum and brutal defence from the centre pairing of James O'Connor and Filipo Daugunu allowed them to build pressure and stay in the fight, opening the scoring through Vunivalu.
The hosts meanwhile, took advantage of an ill-disciplined night inside their own half as McKenzie slotted every chance he got.
He kicked three consecutive chances to put the Chiefs in front before the break.
On the flip side, his opposite number Tom Lynagh struggled, missing three tough chances as Harry Wilson squeezed his way over the line to restore their lead.
Needing a spark, fullback sensation Shaun Stevenson provided the magic at the half-time siren, throwing a lovely ball to Emoni Narawa to score in the corner.
Another penalty from McKenzie gave them a 19-10 lead before Lynagh found his radar.
The Junior Wallaby reduced the margin to six, backing it up with a brilliant 50-22 to set up Vunivalu's second.
Lynagh's clutch conversion from the sidelines all of a sudden gave the Reds a one-point lead with 20 minutes to go.
However, the Chiefs' class shone through and proved clutch in the closing moments.
It started with McKenzie's fifth penalty of the night to re-take the lead before late call-up Pita Gus Sowakula sealed the win, ending Brad Thorn's tenure at the club.
CHIEFS 29
TRIES: Narawa, Sowakula
CONS: McKenzie 2/2
PENS: McKenzie 5/5
REDS 20
TRIES: Vunivalu 2, Wilson
CONS: Lynagh 1/3
PENS: Lynagh 1/2
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane (co-c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa'agase, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Josh Flook, James O'Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Lopeti Faifua, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Taj Annan
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
