There is mixed news on the player front for the Hurricanes and Highlanders ahead of their Super 14 clash in Wellington on Friday night.
The Highlanders are likely to be without injured All Blacks, halfback Jimmy Cowan and prop Jamie MacIntosh because of injury.
However the Hurricanes are set to welcome back halfback Piri Weepu and Conrad Smith from injury after they missed their opening match.
Both teams will be named today with Victor Vito likely to replace the suspended number eight Rodney So'oialo in the Hurricanes pack.
