The South African Super 14 rugby side the Cheetahs have dashed the Blues' finals hopes with a 36-32 victory in Bloemfontein.
The five tries to four, four-point win at the Free State Stadium was enough for the lowly Cheetahs to end the Auckland side's push for a semi-final place.
The Blues, in 10th spot, needed to win their final three matches to stand any chance of reaching the final four.
