The Hurricanes will continue to sweat on their long list of injured players, with just two rounds of Super Rugby league action remaining.
Their 16-9 Round 17 win over the Crusaders at the weekend took a heavy toll.
All Black hooker Dane Coles heads a casualty list that includes fellow All Black Victor Vito, Alapati Leiua and Motu Matu’u.
All four players are have scans on their respective injuries on Monday.
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The Crusaders injuries are not as bad as first feared – with Jordan Taufua’s knee just a minor tweak and Colin Slade quickly recovering from his head knock.
The Hurricanes, who face the Chiefs in Hamilton this coming Friday and then have a bye in the final round before the play-offs, are fifth in the standings with 41 points – just one ahead of the sixth-placed Brumbies.
However, they have both played one game more than the chasing pack – which include the Force (36), Blues (36), Chiefs (36) and Bulls (33).
Meanwhile Blues prop Angus Ta’avao is expected to be out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
Ta’avao has broken his nose after coming off the bench in his side’s easy win over the Force in Perth that’s kept their play-off hopes alive.
It’s unsure how long he will spend on the sidelines.
Awesome to the team having to play them this week…