The Highlanders are out of the playoff picture after three straight losses and are just playing for respect and a successful end to the season.
The Blues, on the other hand, have more than bragging rights to play for.
If results fall their way, they could conceivably finish in the top two and have next week off.
But it is more likely a win for the home side would at least secure a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
So the Blues know a win is of the utmost importance.
The significance of points to play for is not lost on Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who will look to marshall his troops for one last assault.
"When you get up in the morning and you look forward then you can have a real focus to get into the playoffs.
"But if that is no longer there, then you are not going to be as hungry as the week before. That is just natural.
"But what has been proven to me is that this team are pretty proud individuals and pretty proud, hard-working guys. If there is a point of difference for us then it is that."
But the Blues are going to be up for the match, especially coming into the game off four straight losses.
"You do not win eight on the trot and you do not qualify for the quarters by being mugs. They are going to be tough," he said.
Joseph said the side was both mentally and physically tired from what he admitted was a very long season.
He has been carefully managing his side over the past few weeks as the taxing campaign starts to wear on the players.
Trainings have been shorter and more focused, as the players look towards the end of the season.
The past three games have been disappointing for the team, but a win tonight, and with it the keeping of the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy for the rest of the year, would give a glow to the season.
There is also the matter of revenge after the close loss to the Blues at Carisbrook in April.
It would also be a fitting way for Highlanders flanker Alando Soakai to go out, as he plays his last game for the side before leaving to play in Japan.
Joseph said the non-stop flanker would be sorely missed.
"I'm really sad to lose him although he is really leaving us. He epitomises pretty much what a Highlander stands for and I wish him all the best."
It is also a big game for Soakai's loose forward colleague Adam Thomson.
He goes up against All Black rival Jerome Kaino and knows a strong performance in front of All Black coach Graham Henry is a must.
Tom Donnelly also gets to mix it with Ali Williams and Anthony Boric in the middle row.
Jimmy Cowan will look to put as much pressure on former Otago halfback Chris Smylie, who makes his first start of the year.
The weather forecast for Auckland is not promising for tonight with rain developing through the day.
Highlanders v Blues
Auckland, tomorrow, 7.35pm
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)TAB odds: Blues $1.22, Highlanders $4.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Matt Saunders, Kendrick Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Siale Piutau, Tony Brown, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Bronson Murray, Josh Bekhuis, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Smith, Robbie Robinson, Telusa Veainu.
Blues: Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Lachie Munro, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Charlie Faumuina. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Chris Lowrey, Sean Polwart, Alby Mathewson, Winston Stanley, Sherwin Stowers.
