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Facing the Highlanders yet again is something to get excited about, Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald says.

The sides have met four times already this season - two friendlies and two competition games - and the Crusaders have won three of the matches.

MacDonald told media in Christchurch yesterday the familiarity of the opponent did have some advantages.

``It helps the coaches as we do not have to come up with a thousand new clips,'' he joked.

``But we know the players, we knows their traits. We know about getting ready for the battle, what to expect.

``I'm not sure knowing them helps; we know it is going to be tough.

``We just have to prepare accordingly The small things matter, the scrum, the lineout accuracy matters, the backline defence and attack matters. It is about getting it right.

``We have won two from two [the two competitions games] so we know we are good enough. It is a knockout game so it is important to us. It is just about delivering now.

``We didn't do it right last time out so we have got to get it right.''

Macdonald said the side was excited to be playing a playoff match back at home and the game would go up to another level.

``We are excited to be home again and going up against the Highlanders.

``Any game is going to be hard at this stage of the season.

``We know their game, we know our game. It is about who executes better.

`In the end it might come down to a special play.''

The Crusaders were on the wrong end of referee Glen Jackson against the Hurricanes last Saturday night and MacDonald said that came from a lack of accuracy. That had to improve this week.

``You can't do that in a big game. That just shows how important discipline is.''

See more here:
It's about delivering now: MacDonald - Otago Daily Times