In Christchurch, many fans are still irritated by unsubstantiated allegations of eye gouging levelled by the Bulls against the Crusaders in April.
The Bulls claimed on field that two of their players had been gouged during their seventh round 32-30 win in Pretoria, but no video evidence could be found to support the claims and no charges were laid.
Angry Crusaders captain Kieran Read defended his players as men of honour and coach Todd Blackadder demanded an apology from the Bulls but none was offered and the incident was still smouldering when the South African team landed in New Zealand.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke tried to soothe any lingering bad feeling.
"Relationships are vital for us, especially our relationship with the Crusaders," said Ludeke. "They're a team through the years that have showed they're professional on and off the field and I think nothing came from it."
Blackadder agreed the issue should be left to rest.
"We've had a good relationship with the Bulls for a long time, well before my time," he said. "Certainly, both parties weren't happy with (the eye-gouging claims) but we've had a good chat on the phone and we've put it behind us."
However, just as one issue died this week others flared.
The Crusaders' last three matches in the regular season - against the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Western Force - all featured contentious decisions by television referees and Blackadder said he was concerned further errors could mar the playoffs.
"We've just got to get those things right because it does determine where teams can finish, but one thing I do know is there's nothing you can do once the decision is made," Blackadder said.
"It's just something I hope doesn't creep into play, especially with the finals on the line now and these big games and big moments."
The Crusaders benefited from errors by the video referee in matches against the Chiefs and Force, when they were erroneously awarded tries to scrumhalf Andy Ellis (twice) and fullback Israel Dagg.
Errors were also made by television officials in favour of the Hurricanes in their matches against the Crusaders and Chiefs.
The Crusaders won titles in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008 while the Bulls were champions in 2007, 2009 and 2010. Canterbury beat the Bulls in the semifinals in Christchurch in 2006 but lost semifinal matches in Pretoria in each of the Bulls championship seasons.
Bulls captain Pierre Spies said the task of facing the Crusaders in Christchurch was formidable.
"Quarterfinal rugby is about how you handle pressure and how you exude pressure," he said. "It is obviously a challenge to play the Crusaders at home but we are looking past that.
"We've already played against them this year and it will be a tough game. But we are backing ourselves."
