A performance to celebrate - and there was plenty of toasting in the changing rooms afterwards, but the Crusaders have quickly put their stunning victory over the Chiefs in its place.

By selecting Ben Tameifuna at prop, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is hoping to spike the Crusaders' scrum with the biggest piece of artillery he has.

Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean has withdrawn from the remainder off the Super 15 season after being forced to undergo further heart surgery.

With the blood running hot, it took the cool head of Daniel Carter to steer the Crusaders home tonight.

The news last night that more than 4000 extra seats have been made available for tonight's Highlanders match against the Crusaders in Dunedin should add to the alarm bells ringing in the visitors' camp.

A match worthy of a final and on this form there is every chance the Chiefs and Crusaders will meet again in the play-offs.

Watch a replay of all the action from tonight's Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Crusaders from Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Hika Elliot's immediate goal is to help his Chiefs team beat the Crusaders in tonight's blockbuster in Hamilton - but also high up on his to-do list is finding an ITM Cup team to play for this year.

If the Crusaders are serious about landing the top spot in Super Rugby's New Zealand conference then tonight's game against the Chiefs in Hamilton seems like the prime time to make their move.

The Crusaders coach said it would be unfair to throw the All Blacks fullback straight back into the fray when he was still struggling with his game.

Mealamu is heading into his 148th match of Super rugby after recovering from the latest strain on those piston calves which deliver such an explosive impact.

It's been nine years since the Blues travelled south and beat the Crusaders in their backyard. In that time the Crusaders have claimed three Super rugby titles, finished runners-up twice and lost four semifinals.

Shortly after Dan Carter expressed his delight at returning to the Crusaders' starting line-up against the Brumbies, he mentioned how once again the men from Canberra are the team to beat, just as they were at the start of his career.

Making sure heads are right is going to be crucial for the Crusaders as they move into the second half of the regular Super season tomorrow against the Melbourne Rebels at AMI Stadium.