The All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is on his way back for the Crusaders but they've lost lock Sam Whitelock for up to eight weeks.
McCaw's completed a full training run with the side today not having played a Super 15 match this season because of a stress fracture in his foot.
However he won't be playing against the defending champions the South African side the Bulls in Timaru on Saturday.
Whitelock suffered ligament damage to an ankle during the Crusaders win over the Sharks in London last week and will have surgery later this week.
Meanwhile Dan Carter and Kieran Read who were also injured in that match are expected to be play this weekend.
