Blues optimistic they can beat the odds

The odds are stacked against them, but the Blues remain optimistic they can sneak into the Super Rugby play-offs.

To keep their hopes alive, the ninth-placed Blues need to beat the Chiefs by 38 points, while denying their neighbours a bonus point.

Centre Francis Saili accepts the challenge in Auckland on Friday night is a huge one.

“Everyone’s saying it’s mission impossible for us,” he said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but if we dig deep and believe in ourselves, we can come out with the outcome.”

The Blues will be up against opponents who also have plenty to play for, with the eighth-placed Chiefs continuing their chase for a third successive title.

The home side will also be without two senior forwards in All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock and skipper and flanker Luke Braid.

Woodcock has a shoulder injury, while Braid is due to have surgery for a shoulder problem he has carried through the season.

Saili, 23, has also had his injury woes, which put him out of contention for the three-Test series against England in June.

The two-cap All Black has had two appearances for the Blues off the bench since coming back from a high ankle sprain.

He has been included in the run-on side against the Chiefs, replacing Pita Ahki, who is off to the Commonwealth Games with the New Zealand Sevens side.

“It’s been a frustrating season for me,” Saili said.

“I’ve missed a lot of game time, but it’s good to get a start.”

Coach Sir John Kirwan remained upbeat about the Blues’ chances of extending their campaign.

“We scored five tries in 25 minutes against the Lions and if things bounce our way we can score points like no other football team,” he said.

“We got our bonus point after 18 minutes against the Force.

“Obviously this is a different football team we’re coming up against, but there’s a lot for us to play for.”

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