Super 12 holders Auckland Blues of NZ kept alive hopes of retaining the title with a dramatic 37-26 win over Coastal Sharks of South Africa.

Victory lifted Blues three places to fifth, one point behind Western Stormers of South Africa, who face a difficult task against Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand on Saturday.

The top four teams on the southern hemisphere inter-provincial rugby union championship table qualify for the semi-finals with the final round of group matches scheduled for next weekend.

Sharks slipped one place to seventh and have little chance of making the top four despite enjoying home advantage against Stormers next Saturday in a South African derby.

The lead changed three times in a see-saw struggle watched by a 30,000-plus crowd at Absa Stadium in the eastern port city before Blues scored two converted tries within three minutes near the end to clinch victory.

And when All Blacks fullback Malili Muliaina dived over for the fourth try 38 minutes into the second half it gave the visitors a bonus point and robbed the home side of one.

Blues captain and number eight Xavier Rush said: "We needed 10 points from our two matches in South Africa and got them. I warned the boys at half-time that it was goodbye Super 12 unless we won.

"I thought we did well in the set phases and the replacements added that little extra. Now it's back to Eden Park and I'm looking forward to our clash with Otago Highlanders."

Sharks skipper and hooker John Smit said: "What a disappointing result. The boys were really pumped up for this one after two poor displays and they gave everything.

"The difference between success and failure in the Super 12 is so tight. We missed a few tackles and paid the penalty as Blues scored tries. We still have a chance of a semi-finals place."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP