The Highlanders, the team few rated at the start of the season, have made the Super rugby playoffs for the first time since 2002.
Results last night, with the Chiefs beating the Blues 11-8 at Eden Park in Auckland and the Brumbies beating the Force 47-25 in Canberra, saw the Highlanders drop to sixth, the final playoff place, but they can not be overtaken by any team below them.
If the Highlanders beat the Crusaders in Christchurch tonight, the side will host a playoff match in Dunedin.
