Luke Romano believes his Crusaders side are better prepared than they've been in previous years as they build up to the start of the Super Rugby season.
The All Blacks lock is coming off a groin injury which resulted in him miss a lot of rugby in the latter half of last year.
This will be his fourth season for the Crusaders and Romano says there's been more focus in the pre-season on skills and combinations.
The Crusaders play their first pre-season game against the Highlanders in Motueka this Friday.
The Crusaders last won the Super Rugby title in 2008.
