Powerhouse Ngani Laumape drove the Hurricanes to a 42-24 Super Rugby win over the Blues on Saturday to all but ensure them a home quarterfinal.
Laumape, known as the “Mini Bus” alongside his former All Blacks teammate Julian “The Bus” Savea, scored four tries as the Canes outscored the Blues six tries to three.
The bonus-point win ended a three-match losing streak and lifted the Canes five points clear of the Chiefs, who retained a faint mathematical chance of hosting a quarterfinal when they held off a fast-
finishing Brumbies to win their encounter 24-19.
The two New Zealand clubs clash next week in the final round of the regular season which will determine which side finishes fourth.
Even if the Chiefs draw level with a bonus-point win, the differential heavily favours the Wellington team.
Hurricanes - Tries: Julian Savea, Ngani Laumape (4) and Beauden
Barrett; Conversions: Jordie Barrrett (6).
Blues - Tries: Rieko Ioane (2) and Akira Ioane; Conversions: Stephen Perofeta (3); Penalty: Perofeta.