Colin Slade of the Highlanders is taken from the field with a broken leg. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)
All Black first five Slade is out for up to 12 months after breaking a leg against the Brumbies last night, while rising flanker Hardie requires an operation on a toe.
Lock-flanker Nick Croswell is also facing six weeks on the sideline with a knee injury.
The first-five situation is particularly worrying for Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, with Lima Sopoaga also unlikely to play again this season.
Slade was carried off Canberra Stadium on a stretcher after his left leg got twisted in a tackle. He had an operation in Canberra today.
The All Black broke his jaw twice last year, then suffered a groin injury during the World Cup.
More news in tomorrow's Otago Daily Times.
