The Dragons entertain Connacht, who now need a bonus point victory to pip the Blues to a play-off against the third-placed Italian club to decide entry to next year’s Heineken Cup.

The Blues – and Cardiff before them – have never failed to earn a place in Europe’s premier competition and there was pressure on them to avoid an unwanted precedent.

But any early nerves were soon settled when Rhys Williams, in the unfamiliar role of outside-centre, jinked over after three minutes.

Then the Borders number eight Kelly Brown dropped the ball in his own 22, allowing the other Blues centre, Tristan Davies, to dart over for his first try since joining from Leeds last summer.

Midway through the opening period, skipper Martyn Williams was driven over for a third touchdown, with Nick Macleod’s two conversations extending the lead.

Gradually the Borders began to put a few moves together but, although their first venture into the home 22 saw Blues’ flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor sin-binned for a professional foul, they were unable to get on the scoreboard before half time.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, however, lock Mark Blair forced his way through some feeble tackling to reach the flag and give his side hope.

But a break by American number eight Kort Schubert, well supported by lock Robert Sidoli, ended with Rhys Williams getting his second score and that vital bonus point. Macleod converted superbly.

With their goal achieved, the Blues withdrew Lions’ Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins – the Borders had already omitted their representative, Chris Cusiter.

The visitors kept plugging away and were rewarded by a try for left wing Nikki Walker, improved by Charlie Hore.

But the Blues had the final word when Craig Morgan sprinted over in the corner, followed by another touchline conversion from Macleod.