Play nzherald.co.nz's rugby Pick the Score competition - go to: pickthescore.nzherald.co.nz
Richie McCaw has already listed the Crusaders' trip to South Africa next month for his rugby comeback.
The All Black and Crusaders captain has his right knee in a brace after straining the medial ligament but has picked the Durban clash against the Super 14 leaders, the Sharks, next month for his return.
McCaw felt a painful "pop" in his knee when he was trapped in a melee at Carisbrook against the Highlanders on Saturday but after x-rays, treatment and some rest, the flanker was confident he would be ready for rugby again in six weeks.
That prognosis would also be some comfort to All Black coach Graham Henry, who happens to be in camp with the Crusaders this week as they prepare for their next assignment, at home, against the Force on Saturday.
"Graham has watched three of our games live and is able to give us some good feedback and a different perspective," Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said. "He will be involved with us, we have let him into the inner sanctum and he has been great asking what he can do to help."
McCaw is the latest to join the extensive Crusaders' injury list as they search for ways to reverse their run of defeats in defence of their title. The side's latest loss to the Highlanders was the first time since their ragged 1996 start to the competition that the Crusaders have lost three pool games in succession.
Joining McCaw on the casualty list is utility back Jared Payne, who will be out for a month with ankle damage, while Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala and Sean Maitland are all in various stages of recovery as hooker Corey Flynn sits out the season with another broken arm.
"It has been a bit of a struggle, I've never seen an injury list like this," Blackadder said, "and it does compound the issues after losing those senior players from last year.
"But the positives are that these other guys get to have a go, it is a great chance for them to show what they can do."
Blackadder would like that to appear this weekend as he surveys a points table which shows the top sides with a handy jump on the field. Several games got away from the Crusaders where they had chances but failed to nail them.
"They are all little things and you can't get down on it," he said. "We are working hard and we have to persevere.
"Nothing has rocked our self-belief or confidence," Blackadder said defiantly.
The first-year Super coach had spoken to the New Zealand Rugby Union about some replacements but there was a shortage of quality players for the vacancies in his squad. He might have to field a bench with five forwards and two back reserves as cover this weekend.
"It is a bit of a battle there but we will have to wait and see when we get the squad together for a hit out," he said.
George Whitelock will be asked to deputise for the injured McCaw. The 22-year-old covered for McCaw last year when the All Black captain was unavailable and has already filled in against the Brumbies this season when McCaw sat out that match with concussion.
