The Highlanders will be without their most experienced forward in Brad Thorn, who will miss three to four weeks with a rib injury.
According to the allblacks.com website, Thorn, who has played over 110 Super Rugby matches and is a 60-Test All Black, came off the field in the first half during the Highlanders Round 2 win against the Blues.
While the news isn’t ideal for the Highlanders, their other starting lock in Jarrad Hoeata had an impressive game, while Josh Bekhuis is an option to start.
Thorn is expected to be back playing by mid-March, likely to be against the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium.