The Blues players feel tomorrow night's Super Rugby playoff game against the Waratahs is a rare opportunity.

The last time the Blues made the playoffs was in 2007, when they lost 34-18 to the Sharks in the semifinal.

Their previous appearance was when they won the competition in 2003, beating the Crusaders 21-17 in the final at Eden Park.

So while the supporters brace themselves for the first playoff game in Auckland for eight years, the players are equally pumped up for it.

There are just two players who started in that 2007 semifinal side that will start tomorrow B John Afoa and Jerome Kaino.

But there are three from that 2003 final who start tomorrow night - Joe Rokocoko, Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu.

The Blues host the Waratahs at 7.35pm tomorrow.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi