THE Otago Highlanders revitalised their Super 12 semi-final hopes Thursday with a resounding 38-6 defeat of the Waikato Chiefs at Carisbrook Park. After leading 13-6 at half-time, 1999 runners-up the Highlanders stretched away to clinch a workmanlike victory. The win comes as welcome relief for Otago, who lost their previous two matches and needed the win to put them back on track for a home berth in the last four. Victory leaves the Highlanders third in the standings, behind the Canterbury Crusaders and ACT Brumbies.