Highlanders flanker Elliot Dixon says they will miss Ben Smith after he was concussed, but that they have enough depth to cover for him.
Smith was concussed during the Highlanders' fixture against the Chiefs last weekend and the Dunedin side are expecting him to be out for a couple of weeks.
Dixon believes they have the depth to replace Smith in his absence but that his leadership will be a huge loss to the side.
"He is the oracle as we call him down here so he is a big loss for us," Dixon told Stuff.
"But with the depth in our backline we've got a few younger boys and a few older boys that can step up."
"I don't think we'll lose too much, but his leadership on the field is a big one and a big loss."
Dixon is predicting a titanic clash with the Crusaders, when they meet the Christchurch men at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, if it proves to be anything like last season.
"I remember after that game last year just lying there for about five minutes, I was physically stuffed, I was exhausted," he said.
"It should be the same. The Crusaders-Highlanders derbies are always tough and everybody loves playing here. You know you are going to get a good night."
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