There’s a Super Rugby finals spot on the line for the Chiefs this evening as they take on the Blues in what promises to be an absolute belter in Auckland.
Join us on The Roar from 5:30pm AEST for live scores and commentary.
There’s plenty at stake in this round of Super Rugby finals. We can almost rule out the Blues from the finals race right now, with them on 36 points and needing to shellack the Chiefs by 38 points with a bonus point (denying the Chiefs a bonus point in the process) to have any chance. They’ll then need no bonus points from the loser of the Force against the Brumbies, so they’re unlikely, but still a hope.
If they do it, it would be momentous, and one of the sneakiest ways into the finals in recent memory.
They’re coming of a bye in the last round, after they belted the Force by 27 points two weeks ago.
But the main focus is going to be on the Chiefs, who simply have to win and it’s pretty well guaranteed they’ll make the finals.
They’ve been up and down since the international break, taking a loss to the Highlanders two weeks ago before bouncing back with a victory over the Hurricanes, who they’ll be looking to overtake, last week.
A win here will see them leapfrog the Canes, who have the bye, and retain their hopes of defending their trophy wins of the last two seasons.
But it’s been a very inconsistent season for the Chiefs, just like the Blues, so tipping this game is very tricky.
The weather is another factor. It’s predicted to be cold, wet and windy tonight in Auckland, leaving the Blues with even less hope of pulling off the impossible.
You would think the Chiefs have more motivation to get over the line here, but you can’t count the Blues out.
Join us for live scores from 5:25pm AEST and feel free to join in the discussion in the comments section below.
Mark
Guest
Have to say there has been a huge improvement in the Blues in the last 3 rounds... They may have lost two of them - but the play was much better - much better forward effort and control of the ball... The Blues really need a class 1st five - maybe West will become one - but he aint there yet...too much of their good back play is off the cuff - there is not enough control and quality decision making there yet... I think Peter Ahki has been a revelation - I want to see more of him - he looks like he has a bit of class about him...
Bobbo7
Guest
If you get the points to be in the top six you deserve to be there.
Common Sense
Roar Rookie
They finished higher, how do they not deserve it?
AndyS
Guest
If they finish 4th, won't they be playing the Brumbies?
Jerry
Guest
Highlanders won't be worrying about this match too much. If they beat the Crusaders they're up to 4th and will play the Chiefs next week. If they lose, they're either gonna be playing in Durban or Christchurch and if they win that, they'll have to play the Tahs.
Clark
Guest
So disappointing to see them in the finals, to be honest they don't really deserve it
RobC
Roar Guru
Haylett-Petty dangerous in last five minutes or so.
RobC
Roar Guru
Missed the last 10. Blues: - Lost it in the first 10 minutes declining points - trying to chase a score of 38. A bit like how Boks were chasing four tries in their 2nd game vs ABS. - Good scrum. Lineout ok. Pack worked well, enough - Backs handling the ball like soap. 26 scrums in total for the game. Started running straight too late into the Chiefs: - Wont win the championship on this form - Tonne of missed tackles - Rucked well
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks DC. Great work, as usual
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks mate. Its fair to say I have it now ;)
Riccardo
Guest
You're a good man Digger. Knowing how this and the next game will determine the future of the Canes. And you'right there piloting cyber-coverage. Hope you got your bourbon mate. :)
Jimmy from Dunedin
Guest
Not that I'm a highlander supporter, I'd much rather the Brumbries get in, they are more likely to beat the tahs. Despite how well the force have done, I don't think that the they will pose a threat to any the other 5 teams.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Does anyone know who a Highlanders fan would want to win more out of Brumbies and Force?
Firstxv
Guest
Top of the north Island has had heavy storms for a full week now.
Digby
Roar Guru
The Chiefs have kept thier title defence alive built on a solid defensive effort at Eden Park tonight in terrible conditions and have snuck in by three points. The Blues gave it their best shot but far too many unforced errors really hurt them tonight in the wet and they could not find any answer to a commited and tough Chiefs defence. Thank you for tuning in tonight and join us on the Roar for the next match between the Brumbies and Force in Canberra.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Aaron "brain fart" Cruden bloody hell boy, you sure know how to make life difficult for a stressed out fan. Survive another day but need to get smarter if we gunna make it past next week.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Title defence still on. As long as thats in play the Chiefs will be a tough unit to dislodge.
Dubaikiwi
Guest
Happy i am, very good game
Batdown
Guest
CHIEFS INTO THE FINALS!!!
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Good win. Champs are not done yet.