Crusaders captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out of their Super Rugby Aotearoa opener against the Hurricanes with a foot injury.
Barrett sustained the injury during the Crusaders' inter-squad match last weekend and coach Scott Robertson is unsure how long the lock will be sidelined.
"We're having scans at the moment," says Robertson. "It isn't right as quickly as we'd hoped.
"It'll be a couple of days before we know exactly what it is. He's our captain, so we'd love to have him back."
Former skipper Sam Whitelock will replace Barrett in the starting side. Whitelock was enjoying a playing stint in Japan, before the Covid-19 pandemic forced the 31-year-old lock home to New Zealand.
But Whitelock won't captain the side, with Codie Taylor given the honours for the first time.
"I've been vice-captain a few times, so I have a gauge of what it takes," he says. "It is an extra responsibility, but it's about performing well for the team and the rest will take care of itself.
"Over the years, you gain experience and I'd like to say I'm a leader among the boys, and I'm going to happily do the job."
The Crusaders also welcome back utility David Havili and flanker Ethan Blackadder from injury, with both players named on the bench.
In March, Havili underwent emergency surgery to remove 20cm of an infected bowel, while Blackadder hasn't played this year, after undergoing shoulder surgery during the summer.
Both played a small role in the intra-squad game last week.
The Crusaders have won their last five Super Rugby games against the Hurricanes.
Crusaders: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor (c), 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 4-Sam Whitelock, 5-Mitchell Dunshea, 6-Cullen Grace, 7-Billy Harmon, 8-Whetu Dougla, 9-Bryn Hall, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-George Bridge, 12-Jack Goodhue, 13-Braydon Ennor, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Will Jordan.
Reserves: 16-Brodie McAlistair, 17-George Bower, 18-Oli Jager 19-Luke Romano, 20-Ethan Blackadder, 21-Mitchell Drummond, 22-David Havili, 23-Leicester Faingaanuku.
Join us at 3pm Sunday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Crusaders Super Rugby Aotearoa clash.
