The Crusaders have a silver lining as their injury toll grows - the return of a front-line All Black.
Prop Owen Franks has recovered from an Achillies injury that saw the 30-year-old miss almost the entire 2017 international season.
Forwards coach Jason Ryan said the 95-test veteran is primed for a Super Rugby return and hungry to make an impact.
"It's a real credit to Owen with the work he has put in," Ryan said.
"The injury he had, if you could imagine waking up with a rock in your shoe and walking with it every day, that's what he went through last year.
"He played through pain and I don't think too many people would have known.
"He has rehabbed very well - he is very dedicated - and funnily enough, I think the injury has probably given him some longevity in the game. He is dying to get out there, be it starting or on the bench.
"He is definitely better than he was. He has more pop in him, he is probably the strongest he has ever been and is in great condition."
The Crusaders medical ward includes No.8 Kieran Read and first-five Richie Mo'unga, as well as props Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett.
Franks' return is timely, given the uncanny number of injuries to the front row stocks across New Zealand franchises this season. The latest victim is Chiefs' Aidan Ross, who broke an ankle on Friday night against the Hurricanes.
Ryan believes the growing depletion of props is just a coincidence and nothing more than bad luck.
"There is a bit of a shortage at the moment," Ryan said. "You can never have too many of them - props are special people.
"The game is getting a lot higher in terms of speed, higher collisions and bigger impact. Props are really only expected to play 40-odd minutes these days and you have about seven or eight in your squad.
"It's just a bit of a bad run that front row forwards are having at the moment - some of these injuries can happen to anyone.
"We have very good propping stocks all over New Zealand and Mike Cron is always hanging around the franchises upskilling the guys, and we welcome that."
Ryan confirmed that All Black utility back Israel Dagg is also available for selection this weekend against the Sunwolves.
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