And yet, the Hurricanes have little choice but to continue with their aggressive intent, especially on defence. A rushing, connected, and robust defence by the Chiefs - at AMI Stadium and in Suva, plus the Highlanders - confounded the Crusaders, and Boyd's men, who did well to limit the danger posed by Waratahs fullback Israel Folau, should use those tactics as a blueprint.
The Crusaders were reasonably clinical in scoring 13 tries against the Rebels which boosted their points differential, but the constant line-breaking in the one-sided match probably did little else in preparation for last year's beaten finalists.
Blackadder will be hoping for good news on Owen Franks' back after the All Blacks tighthead prop left the field after 30 minutes as a precaution because the scrum was less powerful in his absence, but the game did mark the return of experienced midfielder Ryan Crotty, who scored two tries and will be crucial against the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes, a side containing eight past or present All Blacks, won't fear or respect the Crusaders as much as the injury-hit Rebels did. They will also tackle far better and provide a far greater offensive threat.
They will attempt to bully and harass, and the Crusaders will need to find ways to counter that - for the sake of their confidence in the playoffs as well as possibly preventing a trip to the Republic which would severely dent their chances in Blackadder's final year with the franchise.