Further doubt was cast over Liam Squire's return date yesterday, as the All Black continues to battle a hip injury.
The physical blindside flanker is yet to take the field this year: his last game was the All Blacks test against Ireland in November.
He has been left out of tomorrow night's line-up, and remains uncertain for next week's derby against the Crusaders.
''I think he'll be touch and go, to be fair, next week,'' Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said.
''We've got to get a bit of running into him, a bit of conditioning as well. We haven't been able to do too much.
''So firstly he's got to be fit for purpose and also make sure he's going out there and he's safe to withstand the rigours of the big games.''
Perhaps a silver lining is that it is one fewer player in the loose forward log jam - particularly in the competition for the No6 jersey.
Shannon Frizell has shone at blindside flanker in Squire's absence, although he would be rested this week.
Elliot Dixon, who played at No8 last week, is another in the mix, after he missed the first two weeks upon his return from Japan.
Luke Whitelock returns at the back of the scrum this week and another option - Jackson Hemopo - claims the six jersey.
Dixon drops to the bench.
Hemopo has primarily been used at lock in his time with the Highlanders.
However, he is capable of playing both positions, and adds to the competition for spots.
''Elliot's just come back in,'' Mauger said.
''I thought he was outstanding last week at eight for a guy who hadn't played any footy so far this year.
''Jackson, as we've stated all year, is going to be a lock/six, so he gets the opportunity.
''Shannon's unavailable, as is Liam, so we feel that's the best option.''