Wellington have advanced to the National Provincial Championship (NPC) semifinals for a third straight season.
The table-topping Lions did not have it all their own way as they scored five tries to two to defeat Counties Manukau 29-14 in the first quarterfinal at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Friday night.
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Wellington scored early through second-five Riley Higgins in the seventh minute, then twice more with a man-advantage to lead 19-0 after 28 minutes.
Steelers hooker Zuriel Togiatama was yellow-carded in the 21st minute for a head clash while tackling lock Hugo Plummer.
That led immediately to Du’Plessis Kirifi’s try, with All Blacks centre Billy Proctor going over soon after as Wellington made it a three-possession game.
Counties flanker Adam Brash went over before the break, but TJ Perenara restored the lead in the 51st minute in his final match in Wellington.
Returning All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard got the Steelers within 10 points midway through the second half, but they could not make the most of possession, and Wellington backup halfback Kyle Preston shut the door in the 74th minute.
The Lions will likely face the winner of Saturday's Bay of Plenty-Hawke's Bay quarterfinal in a semifinal next Saturday.
The Steamers and Magpies meet at Tauranga Domain (kick-off 2.05pm), followed by Ranfurly Shield holders Taranaki hosting Waikato in New Plymouth (kick-off 7.05pm). Tasman welcome Canterbury to Blenheim on Sunday (kick-off 2.05pm).
Wellington 29 (Riley Higgins, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor, TJ Perenara, Kyle Preston tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con) Counties Manukau 14 (Adam Brash, Cam Roigard tries; AJ Alatimu con, Riley Hohepa con). HT: 19-7