KEY POINTS:
The Chiefs will need to break down the most miserly defence in Super rugby history if they are to end the Crusaders' unbeaten record in Hamilton tonight.
The Crusaders have conceded just eight tries in as many games and just 79 points in total this season at an
average of just under 10 per match.
No other team in the competition has conceded fewer than 100 points this season, while no other team in history has conceded points at a lesser rate over a whole season.
The previous best defensive record belongs to the 2007 Brumbies, who leaked just 173 points in 13 games at 12.6 per game. That just pipped the 2005 Waratahs, who conceded 174 points.
The Crusaders are on track to smash those figures and assistant coach Mark Hammett confirmed smashing the Chiefs would be a key part of tonight's approach.
"We'd like to continue in that vein and really put pressure on so any points teams get against us are hard-earned," Hammett said.
There were no secrets to the Crusaders' defensive prowess, just good personnel and an effective system.
"There is a need to be quite selfless, to work hard to help out the individual on your inside and on your outside.
"Defence is very attitudinal. You can have all the great systems in the world but if you are not prepared to put your shoulder in the same way you would if you were carrying the ball then it won't work."
After running in 18 tries in their past three games, the Chiefs are confident they can be the team to finally solve the Crusaders riddle.
Coach Ian Foster said his side had shown it could strike from anywhere.
"Everyone has been asking me 'are we looking at reducing errors against the Crusaders'? The answer is obviously yes but I'd have to say they are probably looking at us and saying the same thing. We have shown that, if teams make errors against us, that can be the strength in our game."
Hammett said there was no chance of complacency sneaking into the Crusaders camp despite their undefeated record and seven-point lead at the top of the ladder.
Chiefs captain Mils Muliaina said his side would be undaunted, both by the Crusaders' undefeated record and the expected close-to-sell-out crowd.
"You can't dwell too much on the Crusaders - yes they are a good team, but they are a team that can be beaten," he said.
"We know we are up for a massive game. The city is starting to buzz but we have to make sure that we put that aside and just concentrate on the game."
The Chiefs have been forced to make a late change for tonight's match in Hamilton after injury ruled out second five-eighth Callum Bruce.
A foot injury has seen Bruce pulled from the starting 15 and replaced by Dwayne Sweeney.
Sweeney's spot on the reserves bench will be filled by Murray Williams.
TEAMS:
CHIEFS: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Simms Davison. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Jay Williams, Faifili Levave, Jamie Nutbrown, Murray Williams, Sosene Anesi.
CRUSADERS: Scott Hamilton, Sean Maitland, Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman, Caleb Ralph, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (captain), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Greg Somerville, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Ross Filipo, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Hamish Gard, Kade Poki.
- additional reporting by NZPA