Breaking their lack of away wins, especially in Fiji, was part of that process, and now they are looking to extend their form against a Hurricanes unit that Penney described as 'always tough, very capable and talented.
"They've got momentum shifters and game changers across the park. They are a dangerous side.
"Whenever these derbies are played, they're brutal, physical and tough. There's also the X factor elements that the New Zealand teams possess and the Hurricanes have got their fair share of those."
The Crusaders scrum will also face some pressure from the Tyrel Lomax-led Hurricanes unit, but he was confident fellow All Black Tamaiti Williams will be up for the challenge.
"Tamaiti's been world-class on that loosehead side, especially how he finished the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks, and he'll go from strength to strength as he matures.
"He's young, but he's a phenomenal athlete and has an unbelievable attitude to his craft, so that battle [with Lomax] is going to be very interesting for me.
Having had first five-eighths Riley Hohepa leave the Crusaders and join the Hurricanes was something he was wary of.
"We were reluctant not to have him in our group again because he's a talented footballer. The 'Canes have been the benefactor of that, and he's better again. He's a great bloke and can play footy."
Penney said captain and second five-eighths David Havili's return is welcome because his leadership is influencing the side, and his 'maturity, calmness and playing ability in midfield is going to strengthen us significantly.'
Consistency in selection was also a factor in choosing the side.
"We've made a number of changes but we can't make too many."
Penney commented on media discussion about lock and All Blacks captain Scott Barrett's form.
"He's a massively influential guy in our environment, and we expect him to get any doubters out of the way, and he'll kick on at the back end.
"By no means has he been bad. Players of his ilk have high expectations every week. They are human and there'll be fluctuations. Form comes and goes, but class is permanent. He's got class and his form will come back to where we all hope it can be very quickly."
Cullen Grace will return to the side as blindside flanker after not making the trip to Suva last week, and he is set to make an impact against the Hurricanes.
"He was in great form through the early part, so hopefully, he carries that on."