The NSW Waratahs won the game but lost the battle for a Super 12 semi-final berth at Aussie Stadium on Saturday night.

The Waratahs beat the Chiefs 25-14, but failed to get the four tries needed for a bonus point to move ahead of the ACT Brumbies.

With the pair level on 31 points, the Brumbies will take the final playoff position because of a much better points differential despite their 28-21 loss to the Crusaders last night.

ACT will face the Blues in Auckland next Saturday, while the Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in the other semi-final.

"Everyone else gave us the opportunity," NSW coach Bob Dwyer said.

"ACT, Queensland did the right thing by us, and then we did the right thing by the Brumbies.

"It's supposed to be all for one and one for all by the sound of it."

Despite Dwyer's attempt at humour, there was little to smile about.

After the Brumbies' loss, and then Queensland beating the Highlanders 28-23 earlier today, the Waratahs were left the easiest of tasks against the hapless Chiefs.

But they were their own worst enemies, blowing countless attacking opportunities with simple handling errors.

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