Brumbies prop Ben Alexander believes his side could be in for a long night in New Zealand on Friday unless their forward pack steps up and maintains discipline against the Crusaders.

The Brumbies head to Nelson looking for a much improved Super Rugby performance after going down to Queensland in Canberra on Saturday but are expected to be up against it given the Crusaders' stunning showing against NSW.

While the Brumbies went down 31-25, after being upset by Melbourne the week before, the Crusaders comfortably eclipsed the in-form Waratahs 33-18 in their first match since the earthquake in Christchurch two weeks ago.

Reds five-eighth Quade Cooper kicked seven penalties against the Brumbies while the Canberra-based side outscored their opponents by four tries to one.

A repeat against the Crusaders could prove just as costly with Dan Carter punishing the Waratahs with seven from seven.

"Our discipline definitely left something to be desired, we gave away too many points in our half," Alexander said of the Reds game on Monday.

"...Dan Carter is one of the best kickers in the world."

The Brumbies were also shaky in the lineout against the Reds while the scrum lacked consistency.

Historically the odds are also against the ACT side, having not defeated the Crusaders in New Zealand since 2000.

"They probably have the best scrum in the comp, so we have our work cut out for us," Alexander said.

"...The breakdown is where the Crusaders are the best in the Super 15 at that and we definitely have our work cut out as a forward pack."

The Crusaders' strengths stretch beyond the pack however, Sonny Bill Williams showing what a thread he could be in the centres against the Waratahs.

"He has played good so far, he just brings another dimension to their game,"Alexander said of Williams.

"The Crusaders have always been a pretty good attacking side.

"But chuck in his (Williams) off-loads, Dan Carter sneaking around Sonny Bill (who) obviously is a big unit and he gets that ball free in the tackle so that adds another dimension to what is a team with few weaknesses."

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