The Auckland Blues will need a bonus-point win over Western Force this weekend in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman to secure a home final at Eden Park.
Sitting at the top of the competition with four wins and three bonus points victories, the Blues are in a position to make their first Super Rugby final since 2003.
Victory without a bonus point would keep the Highlanders and Crusaders within touching distance.
The Highlanders and Crusaders would need bonus point wins and victory margins in excess of at least 30-to-40 points to beat the Blues in first place.
If both teams can do that, then the unlikely event of the Blues missing the cut entirely would become reality, but given how well the Aucklanders have been operating in this competition, it is hard to see them dropping points against the Force.
The Blues will take on Western Force at 7.05pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Hurricanes will face the Reds at 7.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will play the Highlanders at 9.45pm Friday, the Rebels will host the Crusaders at 4:35pm Saturday, and the Waratahs will face the Chiefs at 9.45pm Saturday.
[Source: Rugby Pass]
