After their disappointing loss to Moana Pasifika at the weekend, there was every incentive to pick up their game against one of this year's form sides, despite their loss to the Crusaders.
Coach Jason Holland said a lot of assessment had gone into their performance, but it was clear Moana Pasifika were desperate for a result.
"All credit to them, but there were lots of things we were unhappy with about the way we played. There were a lot of opportunities we created that we weren't good enough to finish. We let them into the game and their physicality took over," he said.
Ahead of the Chiefs game on Sunday, there were some mindset matters they needed to fix. They had been passive in getting off the line defensively at Mt Smart Stadium, and they needed to be smarter around their decision-making.
"Nothing is really complicated, or that we have to fix. It is within ourselves, and we only have to tweak a few things around our rugby," he said.
The side suffered a blow losing No8 Brayden Iose to a broken wrist, and he would be out 'for the foreseeable future,' Holland said. Two or three other players were still coming back from having Covid.
The Chiefs have been impressive in the campaign, basing their game around big ball carriers and were looking ruthless in taking their opportunities.
"We need to change a few of our behaviours from last Friday to be competitive," he said.
Watching the Chiefs' loss to the Crusaders, Holland said the Crusaders had focused around the breakdown and he expected they would look to maintain that to achieve the pace they wanted to play at against the Hurricanes.
"It's a good challenge for us, and it's come at a good time. We've got a lot to put right," he said.
Like the Blues and Moana Pasifika, they will also face three games in eight days starting next week. But they will have the advantage of each of their next three games at home, starting with the Chiefs on Sunday, the Crusaders on Saturday and Moana Pasifika on Tuesday. Then, they are away to the Highlanders the following Saturday.
That programme would involve the management being smart around how they train.
"Some of the boys are pumped to play three games, so we won't have to train much that week," he said.