Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph admits it is a big blow to lose star recruit Colin Slade for six weeks, but says his side has "able replacements".
Slade broke his jaw in the 31-29 pre-season loss to the Blues in Balclutha on Saturday when he tried to tackle Luke McAlister midway through the first half.
He played on for another five minutes but was then forced off the field.
He was diagnosed with a broken jaw after the game and had an operation yesterday.
Joseph said it was obviously far from ideal to lose Slade but the side just had to get on with the job.
"We're a team of 32, not just one guy, so we just have to carry on. There are able replacements. There's worse things that can happen."
Southland's Robbie Robinson and Wellington rookie Lima Sopoaga will now compete for the No 10 jersey.
