The competition's most dominant team are firm favourites to beat the last-placed Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning.
Sitting in eighth place, just three points outside the playoffs, the Crusaders extended their unbeaten run to five matches with their 13-10 upset of the Sharks last weekend.
That game shared the traits of nearly all their wins this year, as it was based around a unity and desperation on defence.
However, Gibson saw it as more than that, believing the Durban win could be the embryo of something special.
"The victory against the Sharks can't be understated," he said.
"It could be the catalyst to turn the season into a very positive one and we've just got to harness that energy and put it towards these final few weeks.
"We've come to Durban and beaten a team that hasn't been beaten there since the final in '07.
"And we're dealing with a lot of young men that we do have in the side. It's given us a great deal of belief that we are a good side."
The Cheetahs toppled the Sharks two weeks ago but their leaky defence reappeared in the second half of last week's 10-28 loss to the Chiefs.
Gibson was wary of the danger of standards dropping, with the Cheetahs possessing nothing like the playing strength of the Sharks.
"That's the real challenge for us now. We're playing against a team that we should beat," he said.
"They're not to be underestimated in Bloemfontein and the guys are aware of the dangers of being over-confident."
To keep things fresh, the Crusaders have made five changes and a positional switch.
All Blacks backs Andy Ellis and Leon MacDonald are on the reserve bench, with Kahn Fotuali'i expected to spark the attack in place of Ellis, who is still nursing bruised ribs.
The performance of Jared Payne at the back will be intriguing after several quality showings on the wing.
In the pack, flanker Kieran Read, lock Isaac Ross and prop Bronson Murray make way for Michael Paterson, Ross Filipo and Owen Franks respectively.
It is the first time this season the tireless Read hasn't made the starting team.
His non-selection is made easier by the return from injury last week of captain Richie McCaw, who Gibson said was "banged up" and sporting several stitches across the forehead but felt happy with his fitness against the Sharks.
"For a guy who had a six-week layoff, he did fantastically well," Gibson said.
"What he does for us, in terms of his presence and his leadership, showed through immensely.
"With upcoming games in mind, we seem to be building nicely."
