The Blues defeated the Highlanders 33-16 in Auckland on Friday to secure a play-off berth in the Super Rugby competition.

The Blues returned to form after four straight losses to down the Highlanders in windy conditions, scoring three tries to two.

The win guarantees the Blues a part in the play-offs, but the Crusaders can snatch top spot in the New Zealand conference with a win at home to the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Highlanders started brightly, with a try to Matt Saunders but Tony Brown signalled the visitors' defensive intent with a drop goal in the 20th minute.

The Blues, who went into the game fourth on the ladder, had more to play for and their willingness to attack paid off six minutes later when Stephen Brett jinked past four defenders to cross for a try.

With the Auckland-based team gaining momentum through a dominant scrum performance, Luke McAlister scored another five-pointer 10 minutes from the break.

Jared Payne's try three minutes after half-time gave the Blues a commanding lead and the Highlanders could not reel them in, despite Saunders' second try the 63rd minute.

"It was a tough one, they got off to a good start," Auckland skipper Keven Mealamu said.

"We just had patience and worked away at it and were able to build up some good points so at the end of the day we came away with the win."

Mealaumu said it was a much-needed result heading into the play-offs.

"We've given ourselves a good chance to go further in this competition and we'll take it with two hands," he said.

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