Remaining positive was not an issue for the Hurricanes, and they were looking to take some momentum out of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific game with the Crusaders in Wellington to cause some damage in the playoffs.

Assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal said they would have to be more clinical with many aspects of their game to win the title.

"We're able to do that. We're an exciting team, we defend well and, we're dangerous when we get the ball in hand. It's just getting more of it and not allowing opposition teams into our end and scoring points too easily."

They were disappointed with their effort last weekend against the Blues. They put some good moments in place but couldn't build on them.

"We applied pressure then let the pressure off pretty quickly. The Blues are a quality team and they took their chances. We showed some character to get back within one score but we couldn't get over the line."

He said improvements were needed across the park, and they were confident they could do that.

They had to resolve their issues quickly with the Crusaders, their next opponents.

"We can't make the same errors and let the Crusaders in."

While a mathematical chance to gain a home semifinal, they would have to win and rely on results to go their way.

That would be challenging, given the quality of the defending champions.

"They rely on their set-piece, they rely on quality players across the board, and they're in good form. So it will be a great contest, and we expect them to be firing.

"Getting one up over the Crusaders is always special, and it is always really tough. So we're under no illusions it is going to be a challenge.

"We're looking to free ourselves up and play the 'Canes way and be exciting and just try and be a bit more ruthless and clinical with that."

Whether wing Julian Savea will be involved could depend on scans he has this week, but Bleyendaal was not overly confident he would be fit.

Centre Billy Proctor, who has re-signed for two more years with the Hurricanes, said they were under no illusions that it would be a hard contest with the Crusaders.

"We know they're coming up here to put on a performance so that's something we're trying to do as well, trying to gain a bit of momentum heading into the playoffs."