The Crusaders must make do without flanker Matt Todd and centre Kieron Fonotia for a month after both suffered injuries in their Super Rugby win over the ACT Brumbies in Christchurch.
Todd tore his calf muscle in the second minute of the 40-20 win on Saturday while Fonotia suffered the recurrence of a hamstring injury.
Both are likely to miss the sixth-placed Crusaders' next four games up until the June international window, with a possible return game being the tour match against England in Christchurch on June 17.
There is a ready-made replacement for the in-form Todd on the Crusaders openside flank after All Blacks captain Richie McCaw made an accomplished 80-minute return against the Brumbies after eight weeks out with a thumb injury.
Strapping wing Nemani Nadolo could shift in one spot to replace Fonotia or coach Todd Blackadder may turn to Tom Taylor or Rey Lee-Lo.
All Blacks utility Taylor is in doubt for their game against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Sunday after suffering a head knock against the Brumbies.
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