The Highlanders' third straight Super Rugby loss has come at a high price.
Captain Andrew Hore has been ruled out for four weeks with rib cartilage damage, while back-up hooker Brayden Mitchell is also injured and will miss six weeks.
The southerners lost 23-19 to the Hurricanes at home on Friday night.
The Crusaders are still searching for their first win of the season and face the unbeaten Bulls of South Africa tonight in Christchurch.
The Chiefs are three from four after beating the Southern Kings 35-24 this morning in Port Elizabeth.
