Auckland Beat Cheetahs to Edge Closer to Playoffs

New Zealand's Auckland Blues edged closer to a place in the Super 14 playoffs.

New Zealand's Auckland Blues edged closer to a place in the Super 14 playoffs, with a comprehensive 26-8 win over South Africa's Cheetahs at Eden Park on Friday.

The Blues outscored the Cheetahs by three tries to one to chalk up their eighth win from nine matches this season and extend their lead at top of the standings.

The Cheetahs, one of two new teams added to the competition last year, suffered their fifth loss this season to remain near the bottom of the ladder.

The visitors defended strongly and were rewarded with a last-minute try from replacement forward Ryno van der Merwe, who was driven over from a lineout, after Herkie Kruger kicked a first half penalty.

Auckland, who won the old Super 12 competition in 1996, 1997 and 2003, seized control of the match after opening up a 16-3 lead by halftime.

Scrumhalf Steve Devine scored the opening try after in-form centre Isaia Toeava broke the defensive line then winger Doug Howlett celebrated his 100th appearance for the Blues by scoring the second.

Auckland scored their third try four minutes into the second half when Toeava broke through two defenders and wing Anthony Tuitavake finished off the move.

The Blues missed out on a bonus point after failing to score another try but their victory gave them a nine-point lead over their nearest rivals with the 10th round of matches still to be completed.

The top four teams after the 14-round regular season qualify for the playoffs with the top two earning the home ground advantage for the semi-finals.

Auckland host South Africa's Sharks in Albany next week while the Cheetahs travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes.