'There's a lot to play for' - Blackadder

There's a crucial battle in the New Zealand Super Rugby conference tonight at a sold out AMI Stadium.

The Crusaders will host the Highlanders in Christchurch, with the winner to command second place in the conference.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says his side wants some redemption after losing in Dunedin earlier in the competition.

"Obviously at the start of this campaign we didn't even offer any fight and then to round it all off the clock was wrong so that sort of takes you back to not a very fond memory but we're looking forward to this one and there's a lot to play for at the moment."

In past seasons the southerners have been guilty of running out of steam in the latter parts of the competition.

Captain Jamie Mackintosh last season he didn't manage his body well.

"I was a wreck by the end of it. At the time you don't really see it, you're just going week to week thinking you're being tough and hard. It takes a toll on you and already this year having a bye week and then I was rested against the Hurricanes and we've tweaked our training loads and been pretty smart with that."

Kick off tonight is at 7.35pm.