Blues' last chance to let it rip

Mull over the Super 12 and it is difficult to imagine any teams other than the Waratahs and Crusaders winning the last title.

No matter the dangerous counter-thrusts from the Hurricanes or the venom of others, the top two qualifiers look a class above the rest.

With that theory, the Waratahs should dispose of the injury-riddled Blues tonight.

The Blues need a bonus point victory and other results to fall their way to have any show of making the playoffs.

The Waratahs have made the semis once before, in 2002 when they qualified second and then got slaughtered by the Brumbies.

The 2005 Waratahs are a much better side, one equipped with a variety of game plans.

They fear the Blues, but much of that could be labelled historical posturing. Apart from their 2003 campaign, the Blues have lacked impact since their opening three years.

This year they are damaged and erratic. They could produce a sizzler, but that has not been evident in their repertoire. They have been conservative in much of their work. Tonight at Aussie Stadium is the chance to let it rip.

The Waratahs are expecting those tactics and have chosen Adam Freier at hooker, someone who can act as a fourth loose forward to counter any Blues expansion.

That decision has removed Brendan Cannon, who has played in the Waratahs' last three victories.

Cannon protested that his axing had more to do with his departure to the Western Force, a claim coach Ewen McKenzie refuted.

"We might be completely wrong, but we're just anticipating that's the way the game's going to go this week and this will suit our situation," McKenzie said.

"Next week might be a totally different proposition, depending on who we play [in the semifinals]."

Another Force signing, Reds lock Nathan Sharpe has predicted the Crusaders will beat the Waratahs in the final because they were smarter and have more forward power.

Those sorts of rumblings have derailed the Waratahs before; they have allowed those issues to get into their marrow. But McKenzie glossed over an impact this time.

"It's more important to keep winning so that people either have to shut up or get on board," he said.

The Blues can attest to that, even though they had enormous support last week at Eden Park.

Defeats and no points in the last two games has left the Blues at the mercy of others. If they fail to make the semis, coach Peter Sloane's tenure will end with a sixth, first, fifth and this season's placing.