The Chiefs mocked their undistinguished pedigree with a shock 27-20 victory against the Blues, the reigning Super 12 rugby champions.

Substitute Sione Lauaki, a draft player from Auckland, was the Chiefs' hero as he blasted off on a curving 35m run in the final minute, dummying his way past Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina for a spectacular try.

Three minutes earlier, replacement Blues goalkicker Ben Atiga looked to have avoided a disaster for his side when he succeeded with a 22m penalty to level the scores at 20-20.

The Blues had earlier ignored their first four penalty chances at goal while the Chiefs took a far more traditional approach, asking David Hill to use his kicking skills.

They also brought those methods to the rest of their play, kicking for territory and backing up some solid set pieces with strenuous defence.

It was a package which worked. The Blues were unable to settle into a decent rhythm although their cause was not helped by a high injury rate.

Wing Joe Rokocoko went off early after damaging a shoulder in an innocuous-looking incident, loosehead prop Greg Feek struggled with a neck problem, captain Xavier Rush retired at halftime after a head clash and first five-eighth Carlos Spencer was badly dazed in another collision and left the field before the last quarter.

Hill started the scoring with a penalty, then bagged two impressive sideline conversions after tries from Keith Lowen and Michael Collins.

A scrum move worked again for the Chiefs and fullback Loki Crichton was able to make enough headway to find Lowen, backing up on the inside to touch down in the 13th minute.

Finally, as the first quarter concluded, the Blues scored after kicking another penalty for touch.

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