Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith celebrates at the final whistle during the home side's 24-14 victory over the Chiefs.

A cold drink and a hot shower were all a shattered Aaron Smith wanted after the Highlanders' epic 24-14 win over the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.

If Highlanders halfback Smith could have mustered the energy to wander to the Octagon following the Super Rugby quarterfinal victory, he wouldn't have needed to pack his wallet because the free beers would have been thrust at him from all directions.

The power-packed halfback was instrumental in setting-up both tries for right wing Waisake Naholo in the enclosed arena, creating them with brilliant runs from scrums; the first set-piece was packed 55m from the tryline, the second just 5m away from paydirt.

ROB JEFFERIES/GETTY IMAGES Highlanders co-captain Nasi Manu thanks fans after what was likely his final home match for the southern men.

Both required guile, acceleration and confidence as he darted down the short side. In many ways Smith's deeds summed-up the southerners' effort as they keep their dreams of winning their first title alive.

"I am mentally and physically wrecked," Smith said afterwards. "That's how I wanted to feel (after the game). I didn't want to feel like I had anything else left.

"I really just want to go and have a shower and reflect."

When referee Chris Pollock blew the final whistle the hyped-up Smith, no doubt relieved his men had locked-out the Chiefs with their courageous defence before playmaker Lima Sopoaga kicked a late penalty, celebrated in style.

He said he had no regrets about being so excited: "I always cringe when I watch myself in games and go 'oh that's so ugly' but I won't be ashamed of what I did tonight. I was very proud of the efforts of the boys."

The victory, however, has come at a price.

Openside flanker Dan Pryor dislocated an elbow, lock Alex Ainley tweaked a knee injury that has bothered him for much of the season and centre Malakai Fekitoa suffered a scratched eye.

Coach Jamie Joseph was hoping Fekitoa would be fit for next weekend's semifinal, against the Hurricanes in Wellington or Waratahs in Sydney.

"Because it's an eye there's obviously some sensitivity around that area but I think he will be fine," Joseph said.

Joseph was a hard-nosed brute when he represented Otago and the All Blacks in the 1990s and he would have loved what he saw from his forward pack as they refused to let the Chiefs intimidate them.

Several scuffles erupted in the first half and co-captain Nasi Manu, who lasted 53 minutes in his first game in a month, was quick to try and shut down the Chiefs' monster Brodie Retallick when tempers flared.

The Chiefs, having named lock Mike Fitzgerald at No 6, hoped to overwhelm the Highlanders' scrum and Joseph took great pleasure not only in them providing the launch pad for Naholo's tries but for remaining rock steady throughout.

Fullback Ben Smith provided plenty of counter-attacking spark from the back and playmaker Lima Sopoaga kicked five of his six goals but Joseph would have taken just as much pleasure from the performances of his front row and men like Ainley, Pryor and Manu.

The Highlanders' defence in the final quarter was outstanding, while the Chiefs couldn't complete the impressive line breaks from fullback Damian McKenzie and Sonny Bill Williams was unable to make a major impact in the face of such fierce tackling.

Joseph said he had no concerns about his boys letting their feet leave the ground after such a cracking effort.

"They (the players) are lying on the ground now, mate. They are buggered. It's not really a big concern for us. They will recover, have a couple of beers and get on with it."

Highlanders 24 (Waisake Naholo 2 tries; Lima Sopoaga con, 4 pen) Chiefs 14 (Brodie Retallick try; Andrew Horrell 3 pen). HT: 8-9.