The Highlanders have avoided another long-haul trip to South Africa, thanks to a hard-fought victory over the Chiefs.

They'll instead head to Canberra to face the Brumbies on Friday night for a sudden death quarter-final.

The team has already beaten the Australian side this season, winning 23 to 10 in Dunedin.

Currently the reigning Super Rugby side is in the fifth spot on the overall standings, just behind the fourth-placed Brumbies.