Rugby: Five areas where Chiefs lead Crusaders

Bundee Aki's try against the Crusaders is one of 40 the Chiefs have scored this season. Photo / Getty Images

1. Coaching and attention to detail

The Chiefs changed the coaching landscape last year when they operated with four full-time coaches instead of the usual two. The Blues, Crusaders and Highlanders have all followed suit. But the Chiefs still get more out of their coaching team than anyone else. It was the attention to detail that helped them beat the Crusaders last week. They scored two charge-down tries - neither of which happened by chance. They knew Daniel Carter can be leisurely with his clearing kicks. "From a defensive point of view, Smithy [technical director Wayne Smith] spent a huge amount of time on our smothers and on our charge-downs to get on the outside of Carter's left foot," said Rennie. "That brought us reward with two tries."

2. Attack

The Chiefs lead the competition overall with 40 tries. The Crusaders have scored 30 yet the gulf in their respective attacking games has appeared greater. The Chiefs work simple direct moves that create space and they have a range of finishers across the backline. The Crusaders have been lateral all season, drifting wide without committing defences and lacking in genuine line-breakers.

3. Facilities

The Chiefs shifted to a dedicated training centre last year at Ruakura - the first New Zealand franchise to build such a facility. It has helped them foster a strong sense of identity and club mentality that they previously didn't have as well as improved equipment. The Crusaders meanwhile, continue to train at the archaic Rugby Park which is a dilapidated, traditional club ground ill-equipped for a professional side.

4. Depth

The Chiefs have endured a horrific injury toll but have neither made mention of it, offered it as an excuse nor been affected by it in terms of results. Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Marshall have best typified the quality within the side - both were expected to be bit-part players this year yet the former has been their top points scorer and a key performer. The latter has done enough to be mentioned as a future All Black. The Crusaders have ample tight forwards and three five-eighths but they lack midfielders and outside backs; they didn't look the same side without Kieran Read or Daniel Carter.

5. Strategy

The Chiefs have a clear idea of how they want to play the game - they have a strong set piece, play in the right areas of the field and look to deliver quick ruck ball that they send wide. Everyone knows what they will do - but the simplicity of their thinking and clinical execution makes them hard to stop. The Crusaders talk of being expansive and try to play on the flanks but invariably don't get the ball there as quickly or as cleanly as they need. Some games they play kick-and-chase and are incredibly patient; others they are a touch frantic and hard to decipher and their lack of consistency and commitment to a defined style has cost them.