“We love these pressure moments” - Scott Robertson

Winning the four previous Super Rugby titles (not including regional titles) meant the Crusaders were well aware of the demands they would face when running out onto FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday for the Super Rugby Pacific final.

Departing coach Scott Robertson said, "It's a one-off game. You've got to enjoy it. You know you're walking into a pressure environment, and Crusaders love these moments.

"You're in the final. You've got the opportunity to do something special. For us to go seven in a row means a lot to this group. We've been very focused all year. We've worked hard in our daily habits and enjoying and having the energy that's required for this opportunity on Saturday night."

Their effort was boosted when All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock was available after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in the quarterfinals.

"We're pleased he's available. He's a calming influence, so he's important to this group.

"The way he still plays and trains just sets such a high standard and high bar that we all by. He means a lot to us."

Captain and Whitelock's locking partner Scott Barrett said their Thursday training run was the last time they would train together, so they had made the most of their last week.

He said the Chiefs had set the standard this season and earned the right to host the final.

"It's going to be a great occasion. What better than to go up there and challenge them in front of their fans?

"We know it's going to be a high-pressure environment – hostile, intense and everything that a good final should be."

Prop Oli Jager said it was shaping as a 'cracker' of a game.

"If we play our game and stick to our guns, we have a shot, but they're going to make it a hell of a battle.

"Atmosphere is atmosphere, you either thrive in it or you crumble. As a team we thrive in any atmosphere. You hear the noise, even noise against you. It gets the energy going and the feeling rumbling. You look forward to it, it's what you play for."

Halfback Mitch Drummond said the cauldron at FMG Stadium could be intimidating.

"I see it sold out [for the final] pretty quickly, so we know what we're going into, but we're looking forward to it."

Drummond said the Crusaders would be looking to upset the occasion for the Chief's departing co-captain, and his rival, halfback Brad Weber.

"He is an experienced player, a really good footballer, fast, and an inspirational leader for them. He'll be looking to go out on the right note, but it's our job to do our best to ruin that for him."

Fullback Will Jordan said there had been plenty of anticipation and hype leading into the final, along with energy and focus during the week. The Crusaders had prepared to cope with the intimidation factor from Chiefs' fans, and it was a case of staying connected with players around you and keeping eyes wide open.

"It's always an exciting challenge going to someone else's home turf and trying to overcome that."