Rugby: Blues on the up after win

Peter Saili of the Blues is tackled by Jamie Mackintosh of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

They might have lost four in a row and copped a fair bit of criticism but there is reason to believe the Blues are sitting pretty; right where they would want to be.

Not only did they secure a home playoff with Friday's win over the Highlanders but they might have also avoided a trip to South Africa ... if they can win next weekend.

The Blues are likely to host either the Bulls or Sharks at Eden Park next weekend (depending on results overnight). The Crusaders, who last night beat the Hurricanes to confirm at least third, are most likely to meet the Waratahs in Nelson after they strolled past the Brumbies last night.

Final standings won't be known until this morning, after the Bulls host the Sharks and Stormers visit the Cheetahs. The Crusaders could finish second if the Stormers are upset, earning themselves a week off.

The top two sides receive a first-round playoff bye as well as home advantage in the semifinals. In the first weekend of the playoffs, three host six and four entertain five.

If the Blues can win their home match next week, they could then venture to Brisbane to play the Reds in the semifinal. The Queensland side were assured of top spot on the ladder even before last night's win against the Chiefs - as the Crusaders could only tie with them on points. The Reds won their clash in week 15, making them uncatchable.

The Crusaders might end up in Cape Town if they beat the Waratahs.

"We are pretty stoked we don't have to go to South Africa," said a weary Anthony Boric, who was sporting stitches around a black eye after copping a stray boot on Friday night. "It's good to stay at home. [A possible match in Brisbane after that] would be ideal for us. We have got the better end of the stick."

They might also welcome back openside Daniel Braid, who played 40 minutes of club rugby for University yesterday - his first rugby since injuring his neck against the Force on march 13.

Luke McAlister (head) and No 8 Peter Saili (neck), both forced from the field on Friday night, are expected to be fit.

But prop Tony Woodcock will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury - he should be fit for All Blacks duty - and fullback Isaia Toeava (hip) still won't be ready.

The Blues believe they are once more on the up after a win over the Highlanders and narrow defeat to the Crusaders.

However, the Bulls (who were favoured to win this morning) are in top form having taken six consecutive wins into their match-up with the Sharks. They also have big game players capable of overcoming the tyranny of travel.

Blues coach Pat Lam was optimistic his side could win their first Super Rugby title since 2003. "The teams that are in there, anyone can be beaten," he said. "There's no dominant team. We found our mojo last week, now it's just getting the little details right."

Possible match ups

Week 1
1. Crusaders vs Waratahs,
Nelson

2. Blues vs Bulls/Sharks,
Eden Park

Week 2
Reds vs winner game 2,
Brisbane

Stormers vs winner game 1,
Cape Town