Sky Super Rugby Transtasman: Blues sweating on player fitness ahead of final against Highlanders

Mark Telea and Dalton Papali'i celebrate the try of Hoskins Sotutu. Photosport

A physical campaign has left the Blues sweating on the health of some of their star players, as they turn their attention to their first Super Rugby final in almost two decades.

The Blues will host the final of Super Rugby Transtasman against the Highlanders at Eden Park next weekend, with the Highlanders beating out the Crusaders due to a superior points differential.

The Auckland side confirmed their hosting rights with a win over the Western Force in Auckland on Saturday night, however the win didn't come without concerns.

Blindside flanker Tom Robinson was forced out of the match early after taking a knock to the head, and subsequently failed his head injury assessment, while openside flanker Dalton Papalii sustained a hip injury which forced him from the field during the game as well.

"Our loosies are a bit dinged up, but they've got through a lot of work," Blues coach Leon MacDonald said after the win over the Force.

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"Tom's sore, Dalton's sore... we've got a few sore bodies. Tom took a head knock, and we'll be sweating on a few guys this week. I think the backs have come through pretty unscathed, but the forwards have been doing some hard work, and it's pretty physical so it's no surprise that they're sore."

The Blues will have other concerns to address in the week ahead. After going up 28-0 at halftime against the Force, the Blues were outscored 21-3 in the second period.

But while MacDonald acknowledged it was a disappointing way to finish the regular season, he addressed just how big an achievement making the final was.

"It's pretty special for us. We were really disappointed with the Aotearoa competition; we were one point away really from making the final, and we didn't get there through our own form not being where it needed to be in a really tough competition.

"To be able to turn around and regroup; we set ourselves up and we're really consistent for four weeks in our performances. That set us up with the opportunity to play for the final, and to be able to grab that and have a home final is going to be special. I know there a lot of guys who have been a part of this Blues team for a long time and been desperately keen to play in a Super Rugby final, so it is a special moment for us."