Crusaders fullback David Havili has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season with a thumb injury.
Earlier this year, the five-test All Black overcame emergency bowel surgery to retake the field, but a fractured thumb will now sideline him for 6-8 weeks.
Assistant coach Jason Ryan says they're unsure whether Havili will require surgery for the injury, which he sustained during the win over the Blues on July 11.
Ryan also confirms that loose forward Ethan Blackadder will play no further part in the Crusaders campaign, after knee surgery on Monday night.
"It's a shame for them," says Ryan. "They have both got a lot of respect in the group and were both looking forward to this next block, but it's been taken from them.
"That's the game."
The loss of versatile Havili - who can also cover midfield and first-five - will test the Crusaders halves depth, with one-test All Black Brett Cameron now likely to come into the selection frame.
Red-hot Will Jordan - whose five tries leads the competition - becomes the top candidate to slot in at fullback.
Crusaders midfielder Jack Goodhue calls Havili's absence "huge".
"He's amazing that he can just cover 10 without even playing much there," Goodhue says.
"He's been in awesome form, playing some of his best rugby, busting tackles and creating things. "
"His leadership has been huge - he is a big talker, good communicator and he always says what needs to be said.
"That will be a tough void to fill, but there are some great leaders in this team,and we seem to just keep trucking along. We’ll make sure the next person taking that role will be clear and comfortable."
The Crusaders emerge from their bye week with a five-point lead over the Blues at the top of the competition standings and will try to extend that advantage against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday.
"We're going to be tested now with our depth, but we trust everyone and we back everyone to do a job," Ryan adds.
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