Rugby: How Chiefs plan to combat jetlag ahead of Crusaders semifinal

Back on deck. Chiefs second-five Charlie Ngatai is fit to face the Crusaders. Photo / photosport.nz

Charlie Ngatai is back on deck for the Chiefs but how much influence the classy second five-eighth has on Saturday's semifinal will depend on his forward pack's ability to match the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Ngatai, the one-test All Black, has endured a frustrating season with concussion. He then missed the Chiefs quarter-final victory in Cape Town last week due to an ankle injury, with Stephen Donald stepping up at No 12 before he copped a knock to the face.

After arriving back from South Africa, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie declared both men fit for the Crusaders. Ngatai will be expected to start, given he should be fresh having not made last week's trip.

"It's the least amount of injuries we've had leading into playoffs for the past six years so it's a nice problem," Rennie said.

Recovery has, naturally, been a major focus from the moment the Chiefs stepped off Newlands to the point players have been sleeping at specified times, and advised to stay off their feet where possible, in efforts to best combat jetlag.

In his six seasons, Rennie said the Chiefs had come back from Africa six times for seven wins - their only loss coming in last year's semifinal to the Hurricanes in Wellington.

"The one we didn't get right we played against a pretty good side. No doubt we think we can do that better so we've looked at everything. I certainly feel we're in a much better place than we were this time last year. We're slowly moving back into the right time zone and may be going back the other way in a weeks' time."

History can be twisted to suit your preference. The Chiefs have a strong record against the Crusaders, having won their last two playoff games and the last three in Christchurch. But of the 18 teams to fly back from South Africa for a semifinal - only two have won, and those sides had their opponent on the same flight.

"History counts for nothing. I'm sure they won't be looking at the stats thinking they're under pressure. They get to play at home. Our last two playoff games against them were up here [Hamilton].

"But we won't be scared to go down there. We know they'll study us but we want to be able to shock them with a couple of little things.

"We know we're playing the form side in the competition but we'll back ourselves to play well. In the end because we didn't win our pool and we knew we had to travel so you've got to get your head around it and embrace it."

The dominant performance from the Crusaders pack in dire conditions last week strangled the Highlanders.

While it is expected to clear by kickoff, more rain is forecast to fall this week and the surface will again be heavy underfoot, favouring the locals.

"It's a bit unfortunate for a game at this level but both sides are going to have to deal with it.

"I think they've got 10 All Blacks who will strip this weekend in the forwards. That's amazing depth but as long as I can remember they've always had the best pack in the competition.

"They drive well; they've got a great defensive lineout. We've always known what that challenge is and we've got a group of men who are keen to measure themselves.

"I thought we fronted pretty well against them in Fiji up-front. We're going to need to do that again."