Assistant coach Kendrick Lynn said every game left in the competition was a final for the Highlanders now as they seek a top-eight finish.
The historic rivalry between the sides always ensured something extra in the outcome.
"It adds something to it, but knowing that for us to play finals footy, we need to win these games, it is a bit like a final for us.
"The Crusaders are still capable of beating anyone. They're able to bring back players and we're expecting Cody Taylor to come back. They can throw out a good team even with injuries."
"They showed against the Rebels, and at times against the Reds at the weekend, with their set piece and ability to pressure teams, that there were times when they were strong defensively, and they can be hard to break down. We're preparing for that type of effort."
However, the Highlanders' win over Moana Pasifika in Tonga boosted their confidence.
"You could see the against the Force the team needed to get their self-belief back. Then, to back up that game with a win away in Tonga in those conditions was awesome for the group, especially for some of the players.
"Cam Millar was able to lead the week and the team, and playing like he did in those conditions was good. The way he conducted himself in the game was confident, and he led well.
There were moments when [captain] Billy Harmon couldn't be in some of the huddles, and Cam was leading those and talking well. So, as a 10, what we saw in the variety of his kicks and ability to execute under pressure in those conditions was good."
Outside him, Jake Te Hiwi, at second five-eighths, who had played with Millar in their Otago Boys' High School days, was a good complement.
"It's helpful when you've got someone like that you can just feed the ball to. If there's nothing else on he can carry."
Lynn said the Highlanders could create a lot of attack in their play, but they could be better in their finishing, especially when getting into the opposition's 22m area, whether in set-piece play or finishing line breaks.
"I like how the team's growing in the kicking game; they understand when to kick, understand the momentum and how to position teams to find kick space.
"It's a big work on, but it's going in the right direction."