The table-topping Hurricanes have suffered a blow with the loss of standout hooker Asafo Aumua to long-term injury.
The undefeated club has announced Aumua has sustained an MCL tear in his knee, which will sideline him for the next 6-8 weeks.
Aumua suffered the injury during the Hurricanes win over Fijian Drua at Lautoka last weekend and was helped from the field less than 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
His absence will further test the depth of the Hurricanes hooker stocks, with Jacob Devery's season-ending injury leaving James O'Reilly as the only specialist No.2.
The six-test international has impressed in their eight-game unbeaten start to the season, displaying the form many believed could lead to an All Blacks recall.
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