That is all for today from Taupo. What a game of rugby that was! The Blues join the Crusaders, Chiefs and Hurricanes in Tuesday's semi-finals. For now, this is Nicholas Friedlander signing out.

The Highlanders on the other hand, will be gutted. They looked to win it late, but Justin Shaw was held up over the line, and they ultimately could not get back into the red zone. As mentioned, their attack was electric, particularly Dylan Pledger, whose pass is the best at this tournament by a considerable margin. Josh Tengblad and Tayne Harvey stood out as expected, whilst Shaun Kempton showed great skills in an 80 minute performance. Expect the Landers to dominate the bottom four over the next week.

The Blues will be stoked with that. They came in as favourites, but met their match in easily the best game of the day. Their forwards were the difference though, as they consistently out-manned the Highlanders in tight. Aio Keith and Randall Baker were particularly busy in the tight exchanges, whilst skipper Sika Pole scored a fantastic try. The backline operated well too, with Rico Simpson having a few nice touches. it was their outsides that were extra impressive though, as both Cohen Norrie and Nathan Salmon caused the Landers plenty of headaches.

What a game of footy! The underdog Highlanders went blow for blow, but a singular penalty from Rico Simpson is the numerical distance. There was seven tries each, with both backlines displaying spectacular talent. Towards the end, Dylan Pledger threatened to drive his side over the line, but the inspirational halfback fell short in his efforts - make no mistake though, he is a massive talent.

THE BLUES WIN A THRILLER! The Highlanders went side to side, breaking to the 22 through Rangitutia. Eventually a forward pass came though, giving the Blues the win!

DRAMA AT OWEN DELANY! The Blues worked a move at the front of the lineout, with Finau breaking away! Time was up, but he went to the chip and chase, toeing ahead to the 5m line! Augustine tidied, and ill-discpline from the Blues gives the Highlanders a penalty! They tap and go with 95m to go...

The Landers attempt to go left, but Augustine was caught! He slipped, and the Blues were able to drag him into touch! Lineout for the Blues with time all but up!

Shaw collects, working it over the 10m line. He was well met, so the Landers have to go 40...

SHAW GOES OVER BUT HE IS HELD UP! Great defence from the Blues... they will have a line dropout.