The unbeaten Southerners will be without All Black loose forward Liam Squire for up to six weeks because of injury.
Squire broke the thumb in his right hand during last night's 25-17 over the Crusaders in Dunedin.
The injury occurred in the first half and Squire was replaced by Elliot Dixon just before halftime.
A Highlanders statement said Squire, who has played 15 tests, will be side-lined for up to 6 weeks.
That will result in him missing games against the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Brumbies, Blues and Bulls.
