The Chiefs' chance for three consecutive Super Rugby titles remains in play for another week after a gritty yet composed 24-16 victory against the Hurricanes in Hamilton tonight.

Anything less than a win over the Hurricanes in the opening match of the penultimate round would have sealed the end of the Chiefs' two-year reign as champions.

Chiefs' first five Aaron Cruden found a timely return to form during the side's 24-16 victory against the Hurricanes. Photo: File.

But with the Hurricanes having not won in Hamilton since 2007, this was the perfect time for the home side to resurrect its season and a chance to regain a lacking spark of accuracy and physicality.

Just five weeks ago their opponents in Wellington dismantled the defending champions 45-8, with the return match proving to be every bit of the tougher arm wrestle expected.

And with both sides' season on a knife-edge, caution was thrown to the wind through a fast paced game in perfect conditions.

But for two teams noted for their attacking prowess, it was the unyielding defence notable in the opening 30 minutes before the Chiefs landed the first big blow.

Turning up the tempo of the game the home side, opting for a lineout rather than three points, remained composed close to the line with Jamie Macintosh burrowing over from subsequent phases.

Opening up slight chinks in the Hurricanes defence – halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow playing a pivotal role – the Chiefs were unable to capitalise further, both sides instead trading penalties for a 16-6 Chiefs lead.

A Barrett penalty started the second half before the game initially fell back into a tense holding pattern of the first half, struggling to make any inroads on their opposition.

The Chiefs then sparked into life, something the side has been able to find sparingly this season, constantly imposing themselves on the Hurricanes' defence.

Led by ever-present co-captain Liam Messam in tandem with No. 8 Liam Squire and lock Brodie Retallick the Chiefs forwards laid the perfect platform with a set piece finally clicking after a number of misfires in the season.

Then in emphatic fashion the defending champions went 60m with a sweeping move, Cruden and Retallick combining for the latter to crash over in the corner – stretching the lead to 24-9.

Attempting to keep in touch the Hurricanes were able to quickly respond through midfield Hadleigh Parkes, giving them a sniff of the win but the Chiefs' extra edge in accuracy and physicality were the key differences.

The Chiefs now head to Auckland to face the Blues but must rely on other results to have a chance to sneak into the playoffs and contest for yet another Super Rugby title.

Chiefs 24: Jamie Macintosh, Brodie Retallick tries; Aaron Cruden 4 pen, con

Hurricanes 14: Hadleigh Parkes tries; Beauden Barrett 3 pen, con

Half time: 16-6