New Zealand derbies have their own intensity in Investec Super Rugby at the moment, and that is heightened by the fact that the race is still on to secure the highest possible places in the competition to ensure home advantage through the play-offs.

The Lions from Johannesburg had the advantage with the easier draw through the final stages while several tough games lie ahead for the Crusaders.

They had overcome the Hurricanes in the first of those in what was a typical New Zealand derby.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said it was brutal test and that was why the game had been enjoyed by so many and while there had been only one try scored everyone knew it was a better game of rugby.

It would be a big challenge for the Chiefs but the pack was salivating at the prospect of going up against a great scrum, they had a good lineout and drove well while also having what Rennie felt was probably the best defensive lineout in Super Rugby, he said.

That area was always a strength of the Crusaders and had been where they had destroyed the Hurricanes.

"If they can choke you at set-piece it goes a long way towards winning games. We'd expect them to bring that and we will have to front really well in that area," Rennie said.



Great news! Anton Lienert-Brown and Nathan Harris have extended their contracts with NZR and the Gallagher Chiefs ?? https://t.co/26jsCjfkLK pic.twitter.com/rIEJqG60E5— Chiefs Rugby (@ChiefsRugby) May 14, 2017

"It's a big challenge but we've got a fair bit of experience up front. Kane [Hames] and Nepo [Laulala] have had cameos with the All Blacks and Nathan [Harris] and Hika [Elliott] while we've got a couple of second rowers who have worn the black jersey as well.

"It's a big step up, we've had seven non-Kiwi sides to play recently so the intensity will be much higher but we are looking forward to it," he said.