The Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett expects a clash in playing styles when his side returns to Christchurch for the first time since 2009 to play the Crusaders.
Both sides are in playoff contention with the Crusaders sitting fourth and the Hurricanes sixth.
The last time the two teams played, the Crusaders came out on top 42-14 in the capital.
There'll be several All Blacks absent as Kieran Read, Israel Dagg and Dan Carter will be out for the Crusaders while Victor Vito and Cory Jane are missing for the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett says the Crusaders will try to slow down his side's quick ball.
