Dixon, who was appointed co-captain of the Highlanders along with Ben Smith, last week, is out for at least a month following an injury he picked up at training last week.
The Hawkes Bay rake was injured during a forward drill and taken to hospital by ambulance last Thursday.He is now back walking but is not training and Highlanders coach Tony Brown said yesterday Dixon was waiting to see a specialist.
"He’s got a bit of a back problem. We are not 100% sure of what that looks like at the moment. We are waiting for a specialist to get back and give it the once-over," he said.
"It is pretty serious. He lost a bit of feeling in his legs for a while. We won’t know the full damage until he sees the specialist ... he is walking around and has got all the feeling back in his legs."
Brown said Dixon lost feelings in his legs for five to 10 minutes and he would be out for at least a month.
"He is one of our best leaders and whether he is starting or coming off the bench, he is one of our best players. So it is a massive blow losing Ash."
North Harbour hooker Adrian Smith had been training with the Highlanders in the pre-season to cover for the absence of All Black Liam Coltman. He has come into the squad fulltime to cover for Dixon.
Brown said he would not name another co-captain and All Black fullback Ben Smith would be sole captain until Dixon (28) got back to full fitness.
Brown named his first full side as head coach yesterday, although the team’s All Blacks were not selected as they only started training on Monday. The side will take on the Crusaders at Darfield tomorrow afternoon.
Jason Emery gets a start at fullback, hoping to add another string to his bow. Otago winger Fa’asiu Fuata’i is rewarded for an impressive pre-season by starting on the right wing.
Tevita Li will wear the Highlanders jersey for the first time on the other wing while another new cap for the franchise, halfback Kayne Hammington gets a start.
Luke Whitelock will captain the side from No8 and he is joined by James Lentjes and Gareth Evans in the loose forward trio.
The two Millars — Guy and Craig — will be either side of Smith in the front row.
The Crusaders will also be captained by a No8, Jordan Taufau. Former Blues halfback Bryn Hall will make his debut for the team.
Highlanders v Crusaders
Darfield, tomorrow, 5pm.
Highlanders: Jason Emery, Fa’asiu Fuata’i, Sio Tomkinson, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Fletcher Smith, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock (captain), James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Guy Millar, Adrian Smith, Craig Millar. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Alex Ainley, Josh Dickson, Adam Knight, Dillon Hunt, Josh Renton, Marty Banks, Teihorangi Walden, Matt Faddes, Jona Nareki
Crusaders: Marty McKenzie, Manasa Mataele, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Bryn Hall, Jordan Taufau (captain), Jed Brown, Pete Samu, Luke Romano, Mitchell Dunshea, Michael Alaalatoa, Ben Funnell, Tim Perry. Reserves: Nathan Vella, Andrew Makalio, Oliver Jager, Chris Gawler, Samu Tawake, Quinten Strange, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tom Christie, Whetu Douglas, Leo Fukofuka, Era Enari, Mitchell Hunt, Sione Fifita, Tim Bateman, Seta Tamanivalu, Sean Wainui, Inga Finau.