A never-say-die Chiefs side continue to grasp the Super Rugby trophy tightly, securing a spot in the playoffs with a gritty 11-8 win against the Blues at Eden Park tonight.

The tense win in atrocious conditions means the two-time defending champions will feature in next week's playoffs in either fifth or sixth spot – something many thought was unachievable a month ago.

Chiefs co-captain scored a vital try to help the side edge past the Blues. Photo: File.

In a competition turning into the survival of the fittest the equation was simple for both sides; the Chiefs needing a win to make the playoffs and the Blues a 38-point winning margin to snatch a last gasp chance of their own.

But with the wet weather in the north transpiring at Eden Park, the damp conditions turned what needed to be a free-flowing game for the Blues into a tight arm wrestle.

The desperate need for points saw the home side turning down a number of kickable penalties in the opening 15 minutes opting instead for a relentless wave of close range scrums.

In vast contrast the Chiefs took penalty opportunities when on offer, extending the Blues improbable equation to 41 points – first five Aaron Cruden breaking the scoreless dead lock after 24 minutes.

The Blues chances took a further blow heading into the break with midfield Ma'a Nonu getting a 10minute spell for a shoulder charge on Chiefs midifeld Tim Nanai-Williams, yet the Chiefs were unable to convert from the numerical advantage.

Trailing by three at the break, Blues first five Ihaia West levelled the scores early before inspirational Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam crossed the line in what proved to be a telling blow.

Collecting an intercept 50m out from a West pass, the former All Black Sevens captain managed to outsprint Blues fullback Charles Piutau to cross for an 8-3 lead.

But with neither side willing to budge – and the game hanging in the balance – the Blues managed to creep back into the game through a George Moala try with 12min to play.

The Chiefs were made to sweat even further with lock Michael Fitzgerald sinbinned for team infringment's just prior to Moala's try.

But for a side whose recent seasons have been built on unrelenting determination and belief, the Chiefs managed to hold out the home side and keep alive those hopes of a threepeat for another week.

Chiefs 11: Liam Messam try; Aaron Cruden 2 pen

Blues 8: George Moala try; Ihaia West pen

Half time: 3-0