Cape Town - The Waratahs have held off a second half fightback by the Chiefs in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash in Sydney on Friday.

The Waratahs won 23-16 after leading 20-6 at half-time.

The Waratahs scored a try through wing Atieli Pakalani and were awarded a penalty try by South African referee Jaco Peyper. Flyhalf Kurtley Beale was successful with two conversions and three penalties.

The Chiefs replied with a try by fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, who also added a penalty. Flyhalf Mike Delany landed a conversion and two penalties.

The Waratahs picked up four points for their victory to stay second in the Australian Conference and moved to fourth in the overall standings.

The Chiefs left with a single point for losing by seven or fewer points and moved into fourth place in the New Zealand Conference. They moved to 10th overall.

In next weekend's Round 8 action, the Waratahs travel to Perth to face the Western Force while the Chiefs enjoy a bye.

Teams:

Waratahs:
15 Lachie Turner, 14 Atieli Pakalani, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (captain), 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Pat O’Connor, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson

Substitutes: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Paddy Ryan, 18 Dave Dennis, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Pat McCutcheon, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Daniel Halangahu

Chiefs:
15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Dwayne Sweeney, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Liam Messam (captain), 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Scott Waldrom, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith

Substitutes: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 Fritz Lee, 20 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21 Tana Umaga, 22 Save Tokula