Western Force's dreams of a first Super Rugby Pacific finals have been shattered in a 43-19 loss to the table-topping Chiefs in a do-or-die clash at HBF Park.
The Hurricanes have rallied in the second half to beat the Christchurch-based Crusaders 27-26 as both teams count down to Super Rugby Pacific finals appearances.
The Queensland Reds face a nervous wait after the Fijian Drua swallowed them up in a 41-17 drubbing that secured a Super Rugby Pacific feel-good story with a finals berth in just their second season.
The ACT Brumbies will play a home Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final while the Melbourne Rebels' season is over, after the Canberra side ended the regular season with a 33-17 win.
The Blues have opened the final weekend of the Super Rugby Pacific regular season with a 16-9 home win over the Highlanders that severely dented the visitors' playoff hopes and opened the door for three of their rivals.
Safely ensconced as the Super Rugby Pacific minor championship winner, the Chiefs have one eye on the future and the other on beating the Force in Perth on Saturday in their selection for the game.
Remaining positive was not an issue for the Hurricanes, and they were looking to take some momentum out of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific game with the Crusaders in Wellington to cause some damage in the playoffs.
Mutual respect between competing Highlanders halfbacks Aaron Smith and Folau Fakatava was central to the hopes of creating an ongoing legacy for the side in their position.
Individual brilliance through four tries scored by wing Mark Telea was enough for the Blues to beat the Hurricanes, but it wouldn't be enough to win Super Rugby Pacific playoff games.
The Brumbies have plenty of work to do if they are to make an impact in the Super Rugby Pacific finals with their chances of a top-two finish over after a 31-21 loss to the Chiefs.
Winger Mark Telea scored four tries for the Blues who beat the Wellington-based Hurricanes 36-25 to stiffen their challenge for a Super Rugby Pacific top-four place.
Melbourne have put a major dent in the Western Force's Super Rugby Pacific finals aspirations and farewelled Rebels stalwart Reece Hodge from AAMI Park as a winner with a thumping 52-14 victory.
A last-minute try has robbed the Queensland Reds of just their second win in 27 years in Dunedin and left the injury-hit side in grave danger of missing the Super Rugby Pacific finals.
