From one big New Zealand rival to another, the Crusaders are confident they have the players and just as importantly the strategy to beat the Chiefs in Suva after their disappointment in the city last year.
They are also aware of the need to stay disciplined in the face of what is likely to be a fired up Chiefs team, who will be rested after their bye. They feel the Chiefs will push the boundaries at times, with coach Scott Robertson saying Kiwi ref Mike Fraser is the right man to keep the peace.
Fresh from beating the Hurricanes 20-12 at a freezing Christchurch which extended their unbeaten streak to 11, the Crusaders have rolled into a wall of humidity in Fiji and are preparing for the conditions as well for what has become a grudge match.
Last year in this fixture at the same ANZ National Stadium venue, the Crusaders threw the ball around despite the downpour which started just before kick-off, and the Chiefs made them pay for it, controlling possession to win 23-13, a Damian McKenzie penalty after the final siren denying the Crusaders a bonus point.
Robertson said his side would tailor their game to the weather, and given the way they dominated the Hurricanes on a wet AMI Stadium surface last weekend, he might not mind if it rains.