The unbeaten Highlanders have received some news to dampen their hot start to the Super Rugby season, with All Blacks flanker Liam Squire ruled out for six weeks.
Bruising Test blindside Squire suffered a broken thumb during Saturday's 25-17 defeat of the Crusaders, a result that lifted the southerners to the top of the New Zealand conference.
The 26-year-old will miss the Highlanders' first away matches over the next two weeks when they face the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
His starting spot is likely to go to Elliot Dixon, who impressed with a lively 45-minute performance off the bench in the southern derby.
Squire spent a similar time period on the sideline last season when he also broke his thumb.
His recovery period will allow him plenty of time to regain fitness for New Zealand's Test series against France in June, when he is likely to be the first choice blindside flanker.
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