Their 23-22 defeat to the Hurricanes last weekend in Christchurch, their first loss at their new AMI Stadium home, has threatened to derail their season. Now they, along with the Hurricanes, Reds and Sharks, are effectively fighting for the final two wild card spots.
With the Chiefs, Stormers and Brumbies on top of their respective conferences and the Bulls fourth with 54 points, the Crusaders, fifth on 52 points, could be forgiven a few nerves as the other three, all on 49, snap at their heels.
Todd Blackadder's men will seal their place in the top six if they beat the Chiefs and the Force in Christchurch the following weekend. A slip-up will place their destiny in other hands and their task against the Chiefs, who have lost only twice this season, is a tough one.
The required desperation was absent against the Hurricanes, although they were unlucky that referee Bryce Lawrence awarded Conrad Smith's first try despite the obvious obstruction by teammate Julian Savea.
That said, a lack of motivation won't be a problem at Waikato Stadium against at team which, while made to work for their 27-21 victory over the Highlanders, will possess plenty of self belief.
"It's do or die," said Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis. "We know the characters in our team, the men we've got, are the right men. We've just got to do the business and get our attitude right. I think now, with our backs against the wall we will get the best out of the boys. We've just worked too hard not to."
The Crusaders missed the ball carrying and defensive steel of Read, in particular, last weekend, but Blackadder is hopeful his No8 will have recovered from the concussion which has kept him out since the All Blacks' second test win over Ireland. Dagg is considered a good chance to be back from his ankle sprain and Ellis said even Carter, who has a hamstring problem, could be available.
While the Crusaders have been hardest hit by the All Blacks' injuries during the test window, Ellis said the energy levels of the returning players were not a problem, with skipper Richie McCaw addressing it straight away.
"I'm surprised that they were [so high]," Ellis said. "It helps the fact that Richie set that standard. He's the one who said jeez he's really excited to be back in the group and really excited about the challenges ahead. He said it's really special, we've only got a few games left then potentially the playoffs, there's not much to go, it's time we won another title. That helps, him having that attitude, and everyone followed."
Despite appearances, the attitude failed to materialise at the weekend but Ellis is confident the Crusaders can ask questions of the Chiefs.
"We've got to be smart against them. They're a very good team at turnovers and counter-attacking. They will punish you. It's about getting the little things right."
