Chiefs made it three wins from three in this year's Super Rugby campaign after defeating the Hurricanes 26-18 in difficult conditions in Hamilton.

Both New Zealand teams came into the third round of games with two wins from the opening two games, but after the Canes hit the front with an early Beauden Barrett penalty indiscipline saw them down to 14 men twice in the first half.

Ardie Savea saw yellow 18 minutes in when referee Brendon Pickerill penalised the 'Canes for collapsing the maul. Four minutes later Brodie Retallick crashed over for the opening try. Damien McKenzie converted, but when Barrett split the posts with another penalty, further indiscipline cost Chris Boyd's side further.

Michael Fatialofa was sin-binned 12 minutes from half-time for a no-arms tackle and after McKenzie struck the first of his four penalties, Tawera Kerr-Barlow sniped down the narrow side following a scrum and his chipped on. Ardie Savea and TJ Perenara tracked back but were out sprinted by Chiefs' winger Toni Pulu who touched down on the stroke of half-time.

McKenzie converted for a 17-6 lead and added a penalty after the break to stretch their lead to 14 points with just under a half hour remaining.

In the final quarter the Canes finally broke through with TJ Perenara touching down after the Canes mauled towards the line. As the maul was held up, Perenara broke off and after initially being driven back by replacement front row Ben May, Perenara managed to stretch out an arm to touch down.

A McKenzie penalty kept the scoreboard ticking over but as the game entered the final minutes, Michael Leitch saw yellow for a dangerous tackle. With the Canes looking to run from outside their own 22, Ricky Riccitelli took the ball into the tackle and Leitch led with his shoulder, making contact with Riccitelli's head. It was later deemed serious enough to be cited.

With a man down the Chiefs conceded their second try of the game with a minute remaining. Jordie Barrett threw a monster 20 metre pass in field from the right touchline to Ngani Laumape. He offloaded to Otere Black who spread the ball wide left to Beauden Barrett before being hit by Pulu.

With Julian Savea out wide the All Blacks fly-half, he stepped back inside to draw McKenzie back inside before finding Savea on his own on the left wing. McKenzie's penalty at the death sealed the win.