The return of midfield kingpin David Havili before the bye break may have served as a warning shot to the Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific rivals.
The six-time defending champions are about to get healthier, as the season heads into the business end.
All Blacks second-five Havili suffered a shoulder injury against Fijian Drua last month, further exposing a backline already struggling to get internationals Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan back on the park, with Sevu Reece since ruled out for the season.
The Crusaders have somehow navigated a two-month minefield of injuries, mandated All Blacks rest and national coach appointment intrigue to compile a five-win, two-loss record. Victory this week over Melbourne Rebels could propel them into third on the competition ladder, comfortably in playoff reckoning.
After three games on the sidelines, Havili came off the bench against Moana Pasifika early for a concussed Goodhue and completed 64 minutes without further drama.
"It was great to have that extra week off and rest the injury, but it's good to go now," he said. "The frustration of watching the boys on Saturdays has gone now, I'm back out there and hopefully back out there this weekend as well."
In Havili's absence, Dallas McLeod has deputised in the No.12 jersey, showing the depth available to coach Scott Robertson.
"He's been waiting for an opportunity and I've been working closely with him for the last couple of years now," said Havili. "He's a really talented rugby player and with confidence he gained from the Blues game, he's gone from strength to strength.
"I'm super-proud of what he's been able to achieve, and hopefully he will get a few more games in this year and push our midfielders to be the best they can."
Both Havili and assistant coach James Marshall admit the Crusaders' form hasn't exactly set the competition alight so far. After losing their opener against the Chiefs and at the Lautoka cauldron against the Drua, they have won four in a row, including the rematch of last year's final against the Blues.
"We'd like to start a bit better than we did, but that's just the way it was," said Havili. "Now, after the bye, it's just about getting a few more boys back and more consistently out on the park, and getting rid of some of the mistakes from the first part of the season."
The Crusaders have lost Reece and All Blacks prop Fletcher Newell for the campaign, along with lock Mitch Dunshea, but Jordan is apparently nearing a return from the ear complaint that ruled him out of the national team's northern tour last year.
No.8 Cullen Grace fell to a shoulder injury just nine minutes into the new season, but is also close to a comeback, while loose forward Ethan Blackadder is still struggling with a calf niggle.
"We scraped through and didn't hit our straps," reflected Marshall. "Maybe the Blues game was our best of the year so far, but other than that, a lot of it was pretty messy.
"There are reasons for that - obviously injuries played a part and we never really got to play the same team back to back. There were a lot of new combinations, but the best thing about that was we're now in a position where a lot of guys have had the taste and a chance to prove themselves.
"Now there will be more of a selection headache, where we have to make decisions about who's performing and who's best fit for each game."
Join Newshub at 9:30pm Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Rebels Super Rugby Pacific clash
