Pirates had its first win of the season when Green Island was beaten 36-17 before Easter. But its chances of beating University A at Hancock Park on Sunday will be limited because of a growing casualty list in its premier team.
Goal kicker and talented first five-eighth Tim Cossens broke his leg in two places against Alhambra-Union and is out for the season.
Cossens was developing an efficient partnership with Tyrone Davies, and the pair formed one of the most promising inside back combinations in Dunedin.
Davies is also out of action for eight weeks after injuring his shoulder against Harbour.
Lock Andrew Johnston has broken a bone in his hand and hooker Jake Maiono is also sidelined. Centre Ben Hanley was injured at the end of last year and is out for the season.
Pirates has also missed prop Craig Millar, who is in the Highlanders squad, while long-serving players Josh Clark and Otago representative Marshall Suckling have moved to North Otago and Christchurch respectively.
''It is hitting our depth of premier players,'' Pirates president Brent Rodger said.
''We have a few holes at the moment.''
Pirates has worked hard to get depth in the club and has 32 players in its colts squad and also has a premier 2 and senior team.
The side lies second bottom on the premier ladder but its stocks rose with the win last week.
It faces a student team that has depth, with talented backs such as New Zealand secondary schools representative Gavin Stark on the wing, Otago ITM Cup player Matt Faddes at centre and Fletcher Smith at first five-eighth.
University A also has depth in the pack, with Sione Teu bursting out of his skin at No 8, lock Dillon Hunt collecting ball in the lineout and prop Tama Tuirirangi adding strength to the scrum.
Shaun McCarroll played his 100th premier game for Pirates against Dunedin yesterday.
The depth of all teams will be tested because of the short turnaround after yesterday's club round.
Another tough game is between Alhambra-Union and Southern at the North Ground.
