The Highlanders will be without Ben Smith for their two-game Super Rugby adventure in South Africa, and is in doubt for the final match of their road trip in Perth.
A Highlanders spokesperson has confirmed to Newshub that the All Black star is currently in a moon boot and won't travel to the Republic for the side's clashes with the Cheetahs and the Bulls respectively.
The 30-year-old is expected to join the team in Perth for the matchup with the Western Force in three-weeks, but his ankle will be assesed before he travels.
The in-form Highlanders won their fifth straight game last night at home against the Stormers 57-14.
Smith reportedly suffered the injury early on in Dunedin on Friday night, but managed to play through the pain and finish the game before the injury was diagnosed.
Earlier in the season the 60-test All Black spent time on the sodeline with concussion symptoms.
Newshub.
