Blues flyhalf Harry Plummer missed a last‑minute penalty attempt as the Blues were held to a 22‑all draw by the Bulls at Eden Park.
The result ends the Blues' hopes of a place in the top‑eight play‑offs with two rounds left after this weekend.
The Bulls who are provisionally fifth overall kept their play‑offs hopes alive as they have moved ahead of the Sharks into second place in the South African conference.
The Blues are fourth in the New Zealand conference, and 11th overall, on 28 points.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs also beat the Rebels 20-15 last night.
Today, the Brumbies take on the Sunwolves at 5.15pm while the Chiefs host the Crusaders at 7.35pm at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
AAP/RNZ
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