A second half fight-back proved too little too late as the Chiefs Development were edged out 28-18 by the Hurricanes Development side in Te Kuiti yesterday.

In front of an impressive and enthusiastic crowd, featuring many school pupils, the Hurricanes side climbed out to a 17-0 half-time lead.

First-five Dan Hollinshead kicked two penalties and a conversion in yesterday's 28-18 loss to their Hurricanes Development counterparts. Photo: File.

Their scoring stemmed from a try to Iopu Iopu, a penalty to fullback Jason Woodward and a further try to hooker Leni Apisai.

After the break the Chiefs Development side staged a second-half fight-back, starting in strong fashion and quickly gaining momentum.

Narrowing the gap with two penalties to Te Puke first five-eighth Dan Hollinshead, this was short-lived however, as the Hurricanes struck with two tries through wingers Nathan Tudreu and Vince Aso, which included an intercept try.

The Chiefs Development side kicked into gear with a try to lock Ricki Hoeata. Five minutes later replacement winger Shaun Stevenson crossed the chalk which was converted to end the match at 28-18.

The match marked the return from long-term injury for a few Chiefs players, including Liam Squire, Leon Fukofuka and Toni Pulu, who all got much-needed minutes on the field.

A number of Hurricanes Super Rugby players in need of game time also got a run out.

New Zealand U20's Assistant Coach Tana Umaga was on hand to watch the game as part of the selection process for the squad to take part in a tournament on the Gold Coast next month, and the Junior World Cup later in the year.

The Chiefs Development side will next play the Blues Development side as the curtain raiser to the Super Rugby sides match on April 4 at Waikato Stadium.

Chiefs Development 2015 schedule:

Saturday April 4: Chiefs vs. Blues at Waikato Stadium

Thursday April 30: Hurricanes vs. Chiefs in Masterton

Monday May 25: Chiefs vs. NZU-20s in Tauranga