Second half tries to Julian Savea and TJ Perenara weren't enough for the Hurricanes to defeat the Chiefs on a soaking wet night in Hamilton.

The Chiefs won the Investec Super Rugby match 26-18 to hand the defending champions their first loss of the 2017 season following two big wins over the Sunwolves and Rebels.

It proved a tough night for the visitors from the start after prop Loni Uhila left the field with a recurrence of the calf problem that had kept him out of the first two rounds of the season.

Fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder would join him on the injured list before the end of the night after leaving the field with an ankle injury in the 55th minute.

Throw in first half yellow cards to openside Ardie Savea and lock Michael Fatialofa and things could have gone better for head coach Chris Boyd's squad.

For all that the Hurricanes fought hard to stay in the match and came roaring back in the second half to close a 20-6 lead to 23-18 before Chiefs fullback Damian McKenzie had the final say with a late penalty to deny the visitors a losing bonus point.

Caption: Nganai Laumape worked hard all night in the Hamilton Rain. PHOTO: Getty Sport

The match was every bit as physical as expected as both packs went toe to toe through the first half.

Beauden Barrett kicked two first half penalties, but Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick scored the matches first try when he barged over from close range, then wing Toni Pulu ran onto a skidding kick from halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the stroke of halftime to make it 17-6 at the break.

McKenzie kicked the first points after the break with another penalty, but the Hurricanes refused to give in even after Milner-Skudder limped off, replaced by Otere Black.

Perenara skilfully scored in the corner with 16 minutes left and suddenly it was game on.

Chiefs No 8 Michael Leitch was handed a yellow card for a high tackle and Savea pounced with his team's second try.

Unfortunately the clock was against a miraculous comeback and a late penalty allowed McKenzie to add his fourth penalty to finish the game. 

Scorers:

Chiefs 26 (Brodie Retallick, Toni Pulu tries; Damian McKenzie 2 cons, 4 pens) Hurricanes 18 (TJ Perenara, Julian Savea tries; Beauden Barrett con, 2 pens). HT: 17-6.