After three consecutive losses, the Blues and an under-fire Beauden Barrett head south to face the in-form Crusaders in a qualifying final.

Coach Vern Cotter says his Auckland Blues will be undaunted by the challenge of ending the Canterbury Crusaders' remarkable unbeaten home play-off record in Super Rugby.

After three consecutive losses, the Blues and an under-fire Beauden Barrett head south to face the in-form Crusaders in a qualifying final.

Blues coach Vern Cotter couldn’t say with conviction if the veteran All Blacks No 10 would feature if they were to progress to the semifinals.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu wouldn't dare say it on the public record but he, like the rest of us, must know how absurd the Super Rugby Pacific playoff format is.