All Blacks and Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis has made a timely return to form as his main rival for the Crusaders No 9 jersey, Kahn Fotuali'i, has been stood down for Friday's crucial Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Christchurch.
Fotuali'i was penalised for breaching a team recovery protocol after the loss to the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend and newcomer Willi Heinz, who has had three Super 14 appearances off the bench this season, will be Ellis' back-up in the must-win clash with the Brumbies at AMI Stadium.
The winner of the 14th round match will almost certainly progress to the semifinals.
Ellis was first-choice halfback at the start of the campaign but suffered concussion in round four against the Blues and again when playing the Hurricanes on April 2.
While he was recovering, Fotuali'i seized his opportunity and played so impressively that he was being touted as a bolter in this year's All Blacks squad.
However, Ellis got the start against the Bulls - his first since the Hurricanes - and the little livewire sparked the Crusaders with sniping runs from quickly taken penalties, and with his swift and accurate clearances.
Although the Crusaders lost in injury time, Ellis said the team had taken a "big step in the right direction" towards qualifying for the semifinals.
"If we can take another step this week and carry on playing the way we are, then we can really give it (making the semis) a good shot," Ellis said.
He said the team remained upbeat despite the three losses on the road which had left them precariously placed.
"I thought we played some great footy with width and we felt we were that much better than the Bulls, but they stayed in it the whole time and that shows what a quality side they are. I'd love to go back and have a crack at them. The comment that came out of the changing shed after the game was that we've got to win next week against the Brumbies so we can come back."
Ellis is excited that the Brumbies match is do-or-die.
"I wouldn't want it any other way. We know what it takes - we've got great characters in this team and hopefully we can make those who come to watch us proud."
Coach Todd Blackadder has made two changes to the team which lost 35-40 to the Bulls in Pretoria. Wyatt Crockett, who was heavily penalised in the scrums, has lost his front-row place to Owen Franks and rookie Sam Whitelock has replaced veteran Chris Jack at lock.
The history between the two teams reveals that the Crusaders have won nine of their 17 clashes including two of their three finals, but the Brumbies have not found AMI Stadium a memorable venue. Their last win there was in 2000 and they have lost their last two games by 30 points.
