Rob Penney's side is without a win in Super Rugby Pacific but some 'cross-code' words of advice have reassured the coach the Crusaders can turn a corner.
With the Canberra Raiders in Christchurch for their clash with the Warriors on Friday, Penney's been picking the brains of coach Ricky Stuart, whose own tale of overcoming adversity has inspired belief the seven-time defending champions can avoid falling into an 0-5 hole against the Blues on Saturday.
"[The Raiders] were five and one last year and then they won 10 in a row," Penney said.
"We just discussed how that turn around came about."
Penney could only dream of a similar revival for the Crusaders this year.
"It feels as though that situation and what he was talking about is the situation we're in here," he added.
"There's still a lot of belief and confidence. The team is working really hard."
That work ethic isn't translating to results. The Crusaders are trailing the pack at the moment.
But while their results have dipped, their mindset hasn't.
"It's four and zip, but they come in, they're reviewing as arduously as they were at the start of the season to get better, to get improvement," said Penney.
Penney will be desperately hoping that improvement comes against the Blues on Saturday.
His message ahead of that clash is a simple one.
"Don't feel sorry for yourselves, because no one else is."
There certainly won't be much sympathy at Eden Park if the Crusaders' losing run extends to five.
Join Newshub at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific clash
