The Crusaders have gone top of the New Zealand standings in Super Rugby after a 23-16 victory over the Blues in Timaru.
The Crusaders now have 57 points, while the Blues, who suffered their fourth straight loss, have 56.
The Highlanders playoff hopes have ended after a 33-7 loss to New South Wales in Sydney. The Waratahs playoff hopes remain alive.
The Queensland Reds remain top of the overall standings after coming from behind to beat the Western Force 24-21 in Perth.
In South Africa the Lions and the Sharks drew 30-30, while the Bulls beat the Stormers 19-16.
The Reds have 62 points, Stormers 58, Crusaders 57, Blues 56, the Bulls and Sharks 53 and the Waratahs 52.
The top six will be decided in next weekend's final round with the Crusaders playing the Hurricanes, the Blues play the Highlanders, the Reds play the Chiefs, the Waratahs play the ACT Brumbies, the Bulls play the Sharks and the Stormers play the Cheetahs.
