But it will be a different-looking Chiefs side from the one that won their opening game of the season 33-29 in Hamilton.
With first five-eighths Damian McKenzie having his mandated rest, Taranaki sensation Josh Jacomb has the starting role. McKenzie is also resting a knee that has been heavily strapped over the last two weeks. The injury was affecting his kicking more than his running.
Jacomb was preferred to Josh Ioane because McMillan wants Ioane to continue developing his impact role from the bench.
Jacomb showed impressive form on the pre-season tour of Japan and in two bench appearances. He's not a contracted player but came in as a replacement for Kaleb Trask when he was injured.
"He's a great young talent that we think is going to turn into something pretty special. It's going to be an awesome opportunity for him."
McMillan said they also looked at figures showing the Chiefs differed when McKenzie wasn't on the field.
"We've looked deeply into it, and nothing we've seen has convinced us that Damian McKenzie is the issue. There's a lot of stuff going on at the back end of games that is contributing to allowing teams to get back in the game.
"We should be putting the foot on the throat. It's easy to look at the game from the sideline and what you see on TV and assume that it's because Damian has come off the field.
"But if you have a deeper look, there's some other stuff that's going on that we need to be better at."
McMillan said he had some empathy with the Crusaders' situation.
"Rob's [Penney] a great man. I enjoy having chats with him, and I've had the fortune of working with a number of their players over numerous years with Māori All Blacks, Barbarians, and All Blacks XV. They're bloody good men, and they work hard. They're diligent on their off-field stuff, they're real pros, and they'll be hurting.
"Believe it or not, we all kind of feel for them. We've been in that situation and know what it feels like.
"When you're in that space, there'll be nobody sleeping too much, and they'll be turning over every stone.
"Sometimes, it only takes one victory to help turn the corner. We hope it's not us, but we won't be surprised if they throw the kitchen sink at us."
Flanker Kaylum Boshier said the Crusaders won't lack motivation, and the Chiefs needed to be on their game.
"We love a Crusaders' week, I'm sure they love a Chiefs' week, too. The games in the past have come down to the wire every time, and that's what we expect this weekend.
Boshier said he was looking forward to seeing Jacomb play.
"I played down in Taranaki with him. He can play. He led us around last year to the [NPC] title. He's got a good head on his shoulders, and a good voice. He hasn't had it easy. He was in our squad for a couple of years and was second-string. But last year, he put his foot down and really took over the reins there."
He was likely nervous about his first start in Christchurch, but Boshier said he had 22 players around for support.