Crusaders captain Kieran Read said they are now in a must win situation against Chiefs this Friday.
Following their 20-25 loss to the Highlanders, Read said they need to lift their performance if they want to be in the top six.
He also sounded a warning after the team viewed the footage of their game over the weekend.
The Crusaders meet the Chiefs at 7.35pm Friday.
Looking at the points table, the Hurricanes still lead followed by the Brumbies and the Bulls.
The wild card teams are the Chiefs, the Highlanders and the Stormers.