The Hurricanes have been hit with more bad news only a game into the new Super Rugby season.
Ravaged by defections and overseas departures before the season started, the franchise, beaten 39-26 by the Stormers at the weekend, will now be without experienced halfback Chris Smylie for the entire campaign after news he needs surgery on a shoulder injury.
Smylie, a former provincial player of the year, will have an operation on Wednesday and will be ruled out for six months.
The 29-year-old was injured in the Hurricanes’ final pre-season match against the Chiefs. He has been replaced by Wellington halfback Frae Wilson.
Promising prop Reg Goodes is set for six weeks on the sidelines after he also suffered a shoulder injury in the match.
The South Africa-born 19-year-old has seen a specialist and will undergo a rehabilitation program rather than surgery.