Rennie hails Crusaders pack

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has hailed the Crusaders as having the 'best pack in the competition' ahead of the sides' semi-final clash on Saturday.

The sides met earlier in the season in Fiji with the Crusaders emerging victorious 31-24. The Chiefs' pack did well that day and Rennie is calling for a similar performance in Christchurch on Saturday.

"Looking at their pack they've got 10 All Blacks who will strip this weekend so they've got amazing depth and it's a great weapon for them," Rennie told the All Blacks' official website.

"But it always has been. As long as I can remember they've probably had the best pack in the competition.

"They drive well, they've got a great defensive lineout so we've always known what our challenge is and we've got a group of men who are keen to measure themselves.

"I thought we fronted pretty well against them in Fiji up front and we'll need to do that again."