New Zealand star Ben Smith injured his ankle playing for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby rout of the Stormers on Friday.
The 60 test world cup winning All Black suffered the injury early in the 57-14 demolition of the South African side and will miss the next two matches against the Cheetahs and the Bulls at least.
Ireland's Andrew Trimble with Ben Smith of New Zealand. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
He has already missed some of the season with concussion and is yet to regain his best form ahead of the much anticipated Lions tour which begins in June.
It's a big win for @YourLanders to celebrate @RixterSm2's 50th!#FullTime #HIGvSTO #HighlandersANDYou #Osborne50 pic.twitter.com/YeWwUWfh6M
— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) April 28, 2017
The news will come as a further blow to Steve Hanson and co. with flanker Jermoe Kaino also currently sidelined.
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