The Crusaders scrum, which placed so much pressure on the Hurricanes' set‑piece last weekend is a big threat to the Chiefs ahead of this weekend’s clash at the ANZ Stadium.
The Hurricanes backline could not unleash any of their tricks, there were no gaps in the defensive wall to exploit.
There is something the Crusaders will hope to replicate against a Chiefs that contains another All Black is Aaron Cruden at No 10.
Cruden missed the trip to New Plymouth, having self‑reported concussion symptoms after sustaining a head knock at training on Thursday but coach Dave Rennie is confident Cruden will return for the crunch clash against the Crusaders.
With Tawera Kerr‑Barlow in exemplary form after his own week off, and with Charlie Ngatai putting in an incredibly encouraging performance following a year on the sidelines, the Chiefs backline should be as formidable as any of their compatriots in the derbies to come.
The Chiefs will host the Crusaders at 7.35pm Friday at the ANZ Stadium.
