Super Rugby: Lesson learnt, says Latimer

Any showdown with the Crusaders is a tough ask, but tomorrow night's clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton has even more at stake than usual.

Three weeks ago the high-flying Chiefs were sitting on top of the Super Rugby standings and were in a confident mood when they went down to Christchurch to play the Crusaders.

But they were given a rugby lesson by the ruthless Crusaders and left Christchurch battered after a 43-15 hiding.

The Chiefs bounced back to beat the Blues at Eden Park to secure the New Zealand conference title and an extra week off before tomorrow's sudden-death semifinal at Waikato Stadium.

One of the core leaders in the Chiefs is Bay of Plenty flanker Tanerau Latimer, who has no doubts about what went wrong against the Crusaders.

"We just didn't turn up with the right attitude and I know that is an old cliche but it was as simple as that," Latimer said.

"I think we went down there a bit too relaxed, but obviously we are up for this weekend because it is do or die.

"We win this game then we go on to a final; if not then that's our season done and that is not the goal we set at the start of the year. We want to be the team that went back-to-back winners."

Getting over the advantage line and covering the full width of the field on defence are the key areas Latimer says they must do well to beat the Crusaders.

"They are very good at playing wide wide, and wide to the middle, and then going back short side again, so we have to make sure we are marked up on bodies and we are actually pressing forward on D."

Latimer sustained a calf injury against the Blues but he expects to be fully fit to play the Crusaders. He has shared starting duties with fellow Steamer Sam Cane this season and will start tomorrow night's big clash in the seven jersey with Cane on the bench.

Latimer says he is comfortable in either role and prepares for games the same irrespective of what jersey number he has on.

"I learn a bit of six during the week if I have to cover there as well but my focus is on preparing as a seven. Our preparation this week has been as a whole forward pack ..."