The Chiefs have escaped with a 20-19 victory over the Western Force at HBF Park.
When winger Jordan Olowofela was yellow carded, the Chiefs ran in two quick tries and looked to have the game sealed in the final minute.
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However, the Force would find a way to turnover the ball, with Domingo Miotti crossing in the 82nd minute to give them a chance at victory.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the kick sailed wide, handing the Chiefs the victory and the NZ sides a sweep of Round One .
Looking to continue their rich Super Rugby Aotearoa form into Trans-Tasman, the Chiefs would bully the Force scrum early on, asserting their dominance from kick-off.
This would lead to their first try of the game as a brutal display of scrummaging earned a turnover 5 metres out, allowing Alex Nankivell to cross.
As the Chiefs dominated possession and territory, the Force remained valiant in defence, holding out waves of attack.
Eventually, they would work their way into the contest as the Chiefs gave away multiple penalties.
This would see All Black centre Anton Lienert-Brown sent to the bin with just five minutes left in the half.
With momentum and the 'Sea of Blue' behind them, the Force would barge over for a penalty try as number eight Luck Jacobson joining Lienert-Brown on the bench.
Despite the numerical advantage, the Chiefs would control the play before the break, taking the 10-7 lead back at half-time before making their mark on the second half.
As Olowofela received his marching orders for a knock down, the Chiefs would score two quick tries through Nathan Harris and Jonah Lowe, taking a 20-10 lead.
The only thing keeping the Force in the game was the wayward boot of Damian McKenzie, who missed multiple attempts at goal.
This would nearly prove crucial as the Force mounted a late charge, with Jacobson shown a red card in the 64th minute.
Chiefs legend Richard Kahui would inspire the comeback, crossing with 15 minute to go against his old side as the Force camped in their territory.
As the Chiefs held strong, they looked set to win when they forced a turnover with 90 seconds to go.
However, the ball squirted out and the Force re-gained possession as the siren went, with Miotti finding his way over to reduce the margin to a point.
In the end, it was deja vu for Australian fans as Miotti's kick sailed right, handing the win to the Chiefs.
CHIEFS 20
TRIES: Harris, Lienert Brown, Lowe
CONS: McKenzie
PENS: McKenzie
FORCE 19
TRIES: Kahui, Miotti, Penalty try
CONS: Moitti
