The Waratahs capped their best ever finish to a regular Super 12 season with a 25-20 win over the Blues but looked to have squandered the chance of a home grand final after failing to score a bonus point.

After the Crusaders scored a bonus point 40-20 win in their earlier fixture against the Hurricanes, NSW was left needing a four-try victory to finish first.

But after scoring their third try with 30 minutes to go, the fourth never came, the home side strangely opting for a shot at penalty goal in the 58th minute instead of attacking the line.

They had also opted for a three-pointer in the 44th minute and wasted a good scoring opportunity with three minutes remaining when replacement flanker Stephen Hoiles threw a stray pass when NSW had an overlap.

"It was a weird type of feeling, almost like a draw," captain Chris Whitaker said after the match.

NSW now await the result of other weekend matches to determine who they will play in next Saturday night's semi-final.

The Hurricanes seem to be the most likely opponent - the Bulls need a 25-plus point win over the Stormers to displace the Wellington side from third.

The Crusaders finish top of the table and if they win their semi-final will host the final.

The Waratahs lacked their usual composure for much of the opening half, dropped ball, skewed lineout throws and put in some poor kicks in the first 25 minutes.

The Blues, desperate for a big win to keep their chances of a semi-final spot alive, scored after just four minutes with All Black winger Doug Howlett crossing out wide after a multi-phase buildup and some lovely hands.

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